Potatoes: Surprising facts about this unassuming vegetable
Potatoes are one of the world’s most popular vegetables. They belong to the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and tomatillos. Potatoes are actually the stem of the plant and are designed to provide food for the leafy part above ground. Interesting fact: If you allow a potato plant to fully mature, it will grow a poisonous fruit that resembles a tomato.
Originally from the Andes, there are now over 100 varieties of potatoes grown all around the world. They’re a great source of vitamin B6, potassium, copper, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. However, most of the fiber in a potato is contained in its skin, so don’t skip the skin when you’re eating this comfort food!
Store your potatoes in a dark, dry place between 45-50 degrees; room temperature will cause your potatoes to sprout faster while the fridge will cause the potatoes’ starch to turn to sugar. They should not be exposed to sunlight, as this will cause a potentially toxic chemical reaction.
You can enjoy potatoes year-round as a side dish or a main course; try one of these recipes or just bake your potato in a 425-degree oven for 45-60 minutes and top it with butter, salt, and pepper.
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Source:
World’s Healthiest Foods