Healthy Potato Facts

Potatoes have been part of our daily meals for decades and have earned the unfair reputation of being a fattening vegetable, but did you know that potatoes are fat-free and Cholesterol-free? In fact potatoes have plenty of vitamins and minerals. Its all the fattening condiments we put on our potatoes that make them unhealthy. A medium size potato (about the size of a 12oz soda can) has roughly 100 calories. Medium size potatoes have doubled the amount of Potassium and Vitamin C than a banana and triple that of an apple. Potatoes have also been known to help these symptoms:

Digestion: Potatoes are easy to digest which makes them ideal for babies, seniors, and hospital patients.

Rheumatism: The vitamins, magnesium, and calcium found in potatoes help by giving relief in Rheumatism. (Eating to many potatoes due to high starch intake may have adverse effects on people with rheumatism.
So eat potatoes in moderation.)

Skin Care: Honey and mashed raw potatoes applied the skin helps clear pimples, age spots, and softens your skin.
We sell potato lotion at the Idaho Potato Museum Gift Shop that works wonders!

Here is a Healthy Potato recipe for you to try at home!

Ingredients

* 4 medium russet potatoes
* 8 ounces 90%-lean ground beef, (Bacon bits will also work)
* 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
* 1 cup water
* 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese, divided
* 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
* 3 scallions, sliced

Preparation

1. Pierce potatoes all over with a fork. Place in the microwave and cook on Medium, turning once or twice, until the potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, brown meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Transfer
to a large bowl. Increase heat to high, add broccoli and water to the pan, cover, and cook until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain the broccoli; add to the meat.
3. Carefully cut off the top third of the cooked potatoes; reserve the tops for another use. Scoop out the insides into a bowl. Place the potato shells in a small baking dish. Add 1/2 cup Cheddar, sour cream, salt and pepper to the potato insides and mash together. Add scallions and the potato mixture to the broccoli and meat; stir to combine.
4. Evenly divide the potato mixture among the potato shells and top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Microwave on High until the filling is hot and the cheese is melted, 2 to 4 minutes.

2011

Welcome to the year 2011! How was your holidays? Here at the Museum we are starting this year off with new T-Shirt designs for our gift shop. We are currently looking for some creative suggestions on some good potato themed ideas for a T-shirt. If you have any suggestions please feel free to leave us some suggestions. We would love to hear from you!