Baked, Boiled, Creamed, Fried, Mashed and More!

Last night I left with my roommate and headed to her hometown of Charleston, South Carolina and it wouldnt be a trip home if we didn't stop by Grandma's and Grandpa's house for a home cooked meal. I was thrilled when I was told mashed potatoes was one of the many sides to my meal. Although not technically in season at the moment, potatoes can be found in any super market if it is on your grocery list. But I got to thinking, part of our project is to for two days only eat what is in season from the local farmers market. Yes, this is going to be a challenge but I took it upon my self to look into the many ways of serving potatoes seeing as they are one of my favorite foods. I stumbled upon this website, http://www.100potatorecipes.com/ giving recipes for not only mashed or fried, but boiled, creamed and baked. With so many options in cooking, it should be easy to eat items that are only in season.

I was very interested to see what all healthy grown potatoes contained. You look in grocery stores and potatoes can be bought in so many forms; bagged, canned or even frozen. How can the items be healthy for our bodies? Its obviously not natural, and must loose a ton of its nutritional value. I took a look at the nutrition facts and this is what I found.

Calories 278 Calories from Fat 3

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 0.4g 1%

Saturated Fat 0.1g 1%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.0g

Cholesterol 0mg 0%

Sodium 30mg 1%

Total Carbohydrates 63.2g 21%

Dietary Fiber 6.6g 26%

Sugars 3.5g

Protein 7.5g

When rated, potatoes received an A. Although high in Carbohydrates, potatoes are a great source of fiber and protein and if balanced in a diet correctly can be very beneficial for you. Now Im not saying make this apart of every meal that you sit down and have. Buying locally supports your local farmers and helps produce a better product for both you and your family. But with the changing of seasons embrace this delicious vegetable!

-Andi Cochran