Storified by ebanreb· Thu, Apr 04 2013 17:50:19
For many centuries now, the potato has been nominated in its supporting role shared with the spotlight on the main bird, the turkey, celebrated during Thanksgiving meals everywhere around the world. This is a befitting ode to the lowly, humble potato.
The potato comes in the form of over 5,000 varieties to choose from. I once planted the tubers and grew the potato in my garden and I have seen many varieties at our local farmer's markets such as Brown Russets, Yukon Golds, white fingerlings, tiny egg-shaped new potatoes and red, purple, even blue potatoes. They all taste good and can easily be gobbled up but watch out for the green ones, especially those that have been sitting in the sun because they tend to have a bitter taste.
Goodness of the Potato
Yes, a potato comes power-packed with lots of good nutrients, mostly more potassium than a banana to keep your heart and all of your cells happy. Potatoes are high in fiber to help with digestion and support your immune system with Vitamin C. You will find the potato is high in Vitamin B6 for your metabolism, plus the iron gives you needed energy. The potato is a good carb and is low in fat. Keep in mind that most of the nutrients are just under the skin so scrub lightly and enjoy.
The Russet Burbank potato is a large brown-skinned, white-fleshed variety of potato. It is commonly used in French fries in fast food restaurants. When used for making potato chips, it results in a dark-colored chip due to caramelization, its sugar content being higher than that of the Maris Piper potato, more commonly used by chip makers. It is also of high antioxidant activity, which is rare for starches.
Creativity with the Potato
If you are a "Potato Picasso" and enjoy making crafts with children, undoubtedly you have experimented with block printing. Perhaps you have added carrots and cut out paper feathers for your funny looking character, Mr. Spud Turkey. Do you remember placing toothpicks around your potato and standing it upright in a glass jar or vase in anticipation and joyful expectation of having your very own "sprouted potato" vine or bush? I do!
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