4 Easy Back-to-School Potato Recipes

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4 Easy Back-to-School Potato Recipes

As summer break comes to a close, it’s time to gear up for back-to-school season. Versatile, nutritious, and oh-so-delicious, potatoes can transform into plenty of dishes that make the return to the school routine a little more enjoyable. Let’s talk about creative potato recipes that will surely become lunchbox favorites and family dinner staples:

1. Potato and Ham Breakfast Burritos: Energize Your Mornings

Mornings can be hectic during the school season, but that doesn’t mean you have to skimp on a nutritious breakfast. Prepare Potato and Ham Breakfast Burritos in advance by sautéing diced potatoes and ham, then rolling them up in tortillas with scrambled eggs and your choice of veggies. These burritos can be frozen and reheated, ensuring a quick and satisfying start to the day.

2. Potato Veggie Tots: Fun Finger Food for Lunchtime

Give your kids a lunchbox surprise with these irresistible Potato Veggie Tots. Mix grated potatoes with finely chopped vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers. Shape the mixture into bite-sized tots and bake until crispy. These tots are a delicious and sneaky way to incorporate more veggies into your child’s diet.

3. Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Warmth in a Bowl

As the weather cools, warm up your evenings with a hearty bowl of Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Creamy and indulgent, this soup features tender potato chunks, crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. It’s a comforting dish that perfectly balances flavors and textures.

4. Cheesy Potato and Broccoli Casserole: A Comforting Classic

Start the school year with a comforting and nutritious Cheesy Potato and Broccoli Casserole. This dish combines the creamy goodness of potatoes with broccoli’s vibrant color and health benefits. Simply layer sliced potatoes and steamed broccoli in a baking dish, top with a creamy cheese sauce, and bake until golden and bubbly. It’s a complete meal that’s as hearty as it is flavorful.

With these creative and delicious potato recipes, back-to-school meals don’t have to be dull and repetitive. From comforting casseroles to fun finger foods, there’s a potato dish for every meal of the day. So, as you gear up for another school year, add these potato-based dishes to your meal rotation and enjoy the smiles they’ll bring.

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The Lifecycle of A Smarter Potato

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The Lifecycle of A Smarter Potato

We do everything possible to plant and harvest the highest quality potatoes possible. Here’s the process each Smarter Potato goes through to prepare for your table:

Stage 1: Sprout Growth

Sprouts begin to develop from the eyes on the potato seed and grow upward from the soil

Stage 2: Root Growth

Leaves and branch stems begin to develop from nodes on the newly emerged sprouts. Roots and stolons, where the potato will eventually grow, develop below ground, and the process of photosynthesis begins.

Stage 3: Potato Formation

Potatoes slowly form at the stolon tips. Flowers also begin to bloom.

Stage 4: Potato Growth

The potatoes expand as water, carbohydrates, and other nutrients reach the potato.

Stage 5: Potato Matures

Potato plant vines turn yellow and begin losing leaves. Meanwhile, photosynthesis starts decreasing, potato growth slows down, and vines start to die. The potato then begins drying, and the potato skin sets.
Once the potato is harvested, here’s where our smart potatoes stand out from the rest. Our innovative process of farming techniques, including our Pure Wash System™, brings you a ProHealth Guaranteed product that’s guaranteed to taste great.

Washing

Each potato is washed using our Pure Wash System™, first with a high-pressure wash to knock off excess dirt, then an all-natural ozonation rinse to kill bacteria, and finally a freshwater ozone-concentrated rinse, leaving the potato looking clean.

Sorting

Once the potatoes are harvested, they are sorted based on size and quality. Potatoes that don’t pass our standards are fed to local dairy cows as “Cow Chow.”

Traveling

Our facilities are located in the middle of the US. This means each potato spends less time in our refrigerated trucks, ensuring freshness and reducing carbon emissions.

Eating

This is the best part. All you have to do is rinse, peel, and enjoy!
Next time you’re picking up a bag of Smarter Potato Company potatoes, think about the long journey these spuds made from our farms to your meals.

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5 Tips to Mastering Grilled Potatoes

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5 Tips to Mastering Grilled Potatoes

When it comes to summer grilling, there’s no denying that potatoes have a special place. These versatile tubers can transform into delicious, smoky delights on the grill, adding a new dimension of flavor and texture to outdoor cooking. Let’s explore the art of grilling potatoes and uncover some mouthwatering techniques to make your next backyard barbecue a hit.

Selecting the Right Potatoes

Choosing the right potatoes for grilling is crucial. Opt for varieties like Gold or Red potatoes that have a firm texture and hold their shape well. These potatoes are ideal for grilling since they won’t turn mushy and will always offer a pleasant bite.

Preparing the Potatoes

Thanks to Pro Health’s Triple Wash System ensuring the cleanest potatoes possible, the only prep you’ll have to do out of the bag is a light rinse. If you prefer a softer texture, partially boil them for a few minutes before grilling. However, directly grilling them adds a delightful crispiness to the exterior while keeping the insides tender.

Adding Flavor

Enhancing the natural flavors of potatoes is just as important as cooking them. You can season your potatoes with various herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, paprika, or garlic powder. Toss the potatoes in olive oil and sprinkle your chosen seasonings for an aromatic and flavorful experience.

Grilling Techniques

There are several ways to grill potatoes. One popular technique is to slice them into rounds or wedges, creating more surface area for flavors to seep in. Another is to skewer baby potatoes marinated in herbs and spices, to create delectable potato kebabs. If you prefer a whole potato, wrap it in aluminum foil to retain moisture.

Perfecting the Grill

When grilling potatoes, it’s essential to strike the right balance between direct and indirect heat. Place the potatoes on a preheated grill over medium-high heat and cook them until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust. Rotate them occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Grilling potatoes unlocks their full potential, delivering a blend of smoky, charred goodness and creamy tenderness. So fire up your grill, grab some potatoes, and embark on a culinary journey. Happy grilling!

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How Potatoes Help Gut Health

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How Potatoes Help Gut Health

Beyond being a staple in our diets, potatoes hold an array of health benefits, including their remarkable impact on gut health. Let’s explore how potatoes can positively influence your digestive system and promote a happy gut.

Fiber-Rich Goodness

Potatoes are a fantastic source of dietary fiber, vital in maintaining a healthy gut. The resistant starch and fiber found in potatoes act as prebiotics, providing nourishment for the beneficial bacteria residing in your intestines. These gut-friendly bacteria, also known as probiotics, thrive on a diet rich in fiber, helping to improve digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, and support a balanced gut microbiome.

Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory

Potatoes offer a natural antidote through their high content of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These properties help reduce inflammation in the gut and promote a healthier digestive system. Potatoes contain vitamin C and potassium, which aid in the healing and repairing of gut tissue.

Promoting Regularity

Digestive irregularities can be an annoying issue but fear not. The fiber in potatoes adds bulk to the stool, preventing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements. By keeping things moving smoothly along the digestive tract, potatoes contribute to a more efficient elimination process and a happier gut.

Nutrient Powerhouse

Potatoes may be wrongly associated with empty calories, but they’re actually a nutrient-rich powerhouse and packed with essential vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium, along with minerals and antioxidants. A well-nourished body is better equipped to support gut health and overall well-being.

The humble potato has long been a dietary staple, but its impact on gut health is often overlooked. With its fiber content, anti-inflammatory properties, and impressive nutrient profile, spuds are an unsung hero for maintaining a healthy gut. So, embrace the versatility and let potatoes play a significant role in your journey towards better digestive health.

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From Palette to Plate: Potatoes as the Muse in Art

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From Palette to Plate: Potatoes as the Muse in Art

When one thinks of art, vibrant canvases, intricate sculptures, and awe-inspiring masterpieces might come to mind. However, an unexpected star emerges amidst this creative realm—the humble potato. This seemingly ordinary tuber has left a big mark on the art world, serving as both a subject and an inspiration for countless artists throughout history.

The Potato Eaters

Vincent van Gogh’s iconic masterpiece, “The Potato Eaters,” remains one of the most poignant examples of the potato’s presence in art. Painted in 1885, this powerful depiction of a peasant family sharing a meager meal demonstrates the importance of the potato as a staple food in European societies. Van Gogh’s remarkable brushwork and empathetic portrayal immortalize the potato as a symbol of resilience and unity in the face of hardship.

Potatoes in Contemporary Art

Potatoes continue to inspire artists in the modern era, leading to innovative and thought-provoking creations. From imaginative potato sculptures to whimsical potato-themed installations, contemporary artists have embraced the spud’s versatility as a medium for self-expression. Some artists even use potato stamps to create unique patterns and textures in

their artwork, demonstrating that beauty can be found in the simplest and most accessible materials.

Potatoes as a Symbol

Beyond being a mere subject of art, the potato holds symbolic meaning in various cultures. In Ireland, the Great Famine of the mid-19th century, which devastated the country’s potato crops, became an enduring symbol of struggle and resilience. Artists have channeled this history into their work, paying homage to the potato’s role in shaping the nation’s identity.

Conclusion

The potato’s presence in art throughout the world transcends its culinary significance, demonstrating its ability to inspire and captivate the creative spirit. From the timeless still lifes of the Dutch masters to contemporary installations and thought-provoking symbolism, the potato’s artistic journey is a testament to its enduring appeal. So, the next time you enjoy a delicious potato dish, take a moment to appreciate its beauty as a subject, its historical significance, and its ability to ignite the imagination of artists worldwide.

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How We Promote Sustainable Farming in Our Potato Production

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How We Promote Sustainable Farming in Our Potato Production

In an era where environmental concerns are at the forefront of global discussions, the significance of sustainable farming practices cannot be overstated. This holds particularly true for the potato industry. Sustainable farming approaches are essential for ensuring our farms’ long-term health and productivity, protecting the environment, and safeguarding the future of potato cultivation. Here are a few ways we’re trying to make our farming as sustainable as possible.

Preserving Soil Health

Sustainable farming practices strongly emphasize preserving soil health, a critical component for potato cultivation. Through crop rotation, cover cropping, and organic soil amendments, sustainable farmers maintain soil fertility and prevent soil erosion. By avoiding excessive tillage, healthy soils boost yields and sequester carbon dioxide, helping mitigate climate change.

Water Conservation and Limiting Waste

Water scarcity is a growing concern, and efficient water management is an essential aspect of our farming. Potato farming requires substantial water usage, but sustainable practices such as drip irrigation, precision watering techniques, and water recycling minimize wastage. At some of our farms, we give the excess water we use to wash potatoes to local cows for drinking, and most unused potatoes are given to local animal agriculturists and fed to dairy cows. Because of this, we call our unused potatoes “Cow Chow.”

Biodiversity and Pest Management

Promoting biodiversity and employing integrated pest management (IPM) techniques are integral to sustainable farming. By diversifying crops and planting companion plants, farmers create habitats for beneficial insects, birds, and other organisms that assist in pest control. This reduces the reliance on chemical pesticides, protecting both human health and the environment.

As consumers, you can play a crucial role by supporting potato companies (like us) that prioritize sustainability, encouraging a greener and more resilient future for our favorite tuber.

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5 Great Potato Salad Recipes For Spring

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5 Great Potato Salad Recipes For Spring

Potato salad is a classic dish that’s perfect for springtime. With warmer weather and more outdoor gatherings on the way, potato salad is a great side dish that will surely be a hit at any function. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next spring gathering, here are the top 5 potato salad recipes to try:

Classic Potato Salad

The classic potato salad recipe is a must-try for any spring gathering. This recipe calls for boiled potatoes, diced celery, chopped onions, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. Add some hard-boiled eggs, pickles, or bacon for some extra flavor.

Red Potato Salad

This recipe is a great option if you’re looking for a colorful and flavorful dish. Red potatoes have a slightly sweeter taste than other potatoes, which makes them perfect for a new spin on an old classic. Simply boil the potatoes and mix in diced red onions, celery, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

If you love loaded baked potatoes, then you’ll love this potato salad recipe. It calls for boiled potatoes, sour cream, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, diced green onions, and salt and pepper. You can also add in some diced tomatoes or jalapeños for some extra flavor.

German Potato Salad

This potato salad recipe has a tangy and sweet flavor that is perfect for spring. It calls for boiled potatoes, bacon, chopped onions, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and Dijon mustard. The combination of sweet and sour flavors is sure to be a hit at any function.

Mediterranean Potato Salad

If you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful potato salad recipe, then this is the one for you. It calls for boiled potatoes, diced tomatoes, chopped cucumbers, diced red onions, crumbled feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. You can also add in some olives or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.

No matter which potato salad recipe you choose, you can’t go wrong with this classic dish. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a family picnic, or just enjoying a sunny day outdoors, potato salad is a great side dish for any springtime gathering.

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6 Steps to Composting Your Potatoes

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6 Steps to Composting Your Potatoes

Composting is an environmentally friendly way to dispose of organic waste and create nutrient-rich soil for gardening. While many people think of composting fruits and vegetables like banana peels and carrot tops, potatoes can also be composted.

Potatoes are a great addition to compost because they are high in nutrients like potassium and phosphorus, which are essential for plant growth. Plus, composting potatoes is an easy way to reduce food waste and help the environment.

Here are six tips for composting potatoes:

Choose the right potatoes 

When composting potatoes, it’s best to use ones that are starting to go bad or have already spoiled. Fresh potatoes will take longer to break down and can attract pests like rodents and flies.

Cut potatoes into smaller pieces

To speed up the composting process, cut your potatoes into small pieces. This will also help them break down more evenly and prevent clumping.

Add other organic materials

To create a balanced compost, it’s important to add a variety of organic materials like leaves, grass clippings, and other fruit and vegetable scraps. This will help create a rich, fertile soil that plants will thrive in.

Mix the compost

Turning the compost regularly will help aerate it and speed up the decomposition process. Use a pitchfork or shovel to mix the compost once or twice a week.

Monitor the moisture

Compost should be moist, but not soaking wet. If the compost is too dry, add some water. If it’s too wet, add some dry organic materials like leaves or straw.

Use the compost in your garden

Once the compost has broken down and turned into a dark, crumbly soil, it’s ready to use in your garden. Spread it around your plants and watch them thrive!

Composting potatoes is a great way to reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Plus, it’s easy and inexpensive. With a little bit of effort, you can turn your potato scraps into a valuable resource for your plants.

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How Potatoes Affect A Plant-Based Diet

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How Potatoes Affect A Plant-Based Diet

Potatoes are versatile and nutritious vegetables that can play a significant role in a plant-based diet. Not only are they delicious and filling, but they’re loaded with essential nutrients that promote overall health and well-being. Let’s explore the various benefits of potatoes and how they can be a staple in any plant-based diet.

Potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which give a steady supply of energy to the body. This is important for anyone following a plant-based diet which often requires more carbs to sustain energy levels throughout the day. Potatoes are also low in fat and calories, making them ideal for weight management.

Spuds are also rich in dietary fiber, which helps promote good digestive health. Fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and supporting overall immune system function. Additionally, the fiber in potatoes helps regulate blood sugar levels and may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Potatoes are also a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Potassium is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular function, while vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune system health. Vitamin B6 is involved in many physiological processes, including protein metabolism.

One of the best things about potatoes is their versatility. They can be boiled, baked, fried, mashed, roasted, or even turned into a delicious soup or stew. In addition, you can enjoy them on their own or use them as a base for various plant-based dishes, such as a roasted vegetable medley or curries.

Potatoes can also make a great substitute for meat in many recipes. For example, mashed potatoes can be used as a filling for vegetarian or vegan shepherd’s pie, while roasted potatoes can be used as a side dish for tofu or tempeh. Additionally, you can use potatoes to make veggie burgers or meat-free meatballs, providing a hearty and satisfying alternative to traditional meat-based dishes.

Whether you enjoy them boiled, baked, mashed, or roasted, there are countless ways to incorporate potatoes into your plant-based diet and reap their many benefits. So, grab a bag of Smarter Potato Company potatoes and explore how to add them into your next plant-based meal.

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Where Are Potatoes Grown?

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Where Are Potatoes Grown?

Short answer: everywhere.

Long answer: Potatoes have become one of the most consumed vegetables in the world, and this was not an accident. Part of the reason potatoes are so successful is their ease of growing. Today, spuds are grown on every continent (minus Antarctica, sorry to get your hopes up), as well as out of this world (more on that later).

As mentioned in our history of potatoes (linked here), the first spuds were grown around the land which eventually became Peru. Members of the Incan Empire began growing potatoes in the Andes Mountain range, where they took advantage of cold weather to stomp out the liquid and freeze them to create chuño. Not only did they invent a primitive form of freeze drying, but this food product could be preserved for over ten years, helping them prevent famine.

Today, more than 359 million tons of potatoes are produced worldwide. The United States produces roughly 19 million tons of potatoes per year. The state that produces the most is unsurprisingly Idaho, which makes sense considering it’s known as the “Spud State” by some. Rather than growing potatoes in Idaho, ProHealth grows ours in Arizona, Nebraska, and the Texas panhandle. This is because of the ideal weather conditions that allow potatoes to thrive, and the central location in the US that helps us ship them across the country

China is the number one producer of potatoes, responsible for roughly a third of the world’s supply. This makes sense because, in 2015, it was estimated that China was also the number one consumer of potatoes in the world.

Despite this achievement, China doesn’t even crack the top ten of potatoes consumed per capita. That award goes to Belarus, which averages 175kg of potatoes per person, per year. China has about 1.4 billion more people than Belarus, so it’s easy to understand how they couldn’t realistically reach this number.

What were we talking about again?

So we know that potatoes are grown all over the world (and the average Belarusian eats 175kg of them a year), but what about potatoes being grown across the solar system? in 2015, potatoes became the first vegetable to be grown in space onboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. If that’s not a resilient spud, I don’t know what is.

With potatoes being grown all over the world (and beyond), there’s no doubting the importance of this hearty vegetable.

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