Couch Potato

The potato originates from South America and when it did reach the shores of other parts of the world, the wealthy frequently reviled them as being flavorless and the food of the poor. People distrusted the fact that they reached maturity underground, believing them to be the work of the devil. There are more than 400 varieties of the potato, but unless you are a gardener, you will find only some 15 varieties generally available.

Why potatoes are good

Potatoes are an important source of carbohydrates. Once thought to be fattening, we now know that, on the contrary, potatoes can be an excellent part of a calorie-controlled diet, provided of course they are not fried in oil or mashed with too much butter. Potatoes are also a very good source of vitamin C, and during winter potatoes are often the main source of this vitamin. They also contain potassium, iron and vitamin B.

How to buy them

While buying them in bulk, it is best to buy them in paper sacks rather than plastic bags as humid conditions will cause them to rotten. Remove them from the bag once you get home and place them in a vegetable rack or in paper bag, in a dark place. If they are stored exposed to the light, green patches will develop which can be poisonous and they will go moldy if kept in the damp.

And how to cook them

Most of the minerals and vitamins in potatoes are contained in or just below the skin. It is therefore better to eat potatoes with their skins. New potatoes need only to be washed under running water, older potatoes need to be scrubbed. If you peel potatoes, use a peeler that removes only the top surface or alternatively for salads and cold dishes boil the potatoes in their skins and peel when cool. There are many ways to cook a potato, you can bake, boil, mash, roast, sauté and steam them to add various flavors.