August 21, 2019 at 4:29 p.m.
Purple potatoes, and other unique tubers, available at the Hodag Farmers Market
Purple potatoes, and other unique tubers, available at the Hodag Farmers Market
By By Cassie Shefchik-
As we all know, potatoes were one of the vegetables found in the new world and brought back to Europe. It was, literally, one of several food items that changed peoples diets. The humble potato, which originated in Peru, is the world's fourth largest food crop following rice, wheat and corn.
The Peruvians, however, grew over 4,000 different kinds of potatoes. They knew that some years certain varieties would grow better than others due to weather patterns. They also knew some should be eaten earlier in the season while others kinds could be kept for several months. Also, they found some potatoes grew better in different environments.
Gone are the days when only Idaho potatoes graced the fresh produce section of supermarkets and farmer market vendor tables.
Last week I strolled along the midway, as I often do, and spied a lot of larger potatoes showing up in vendor stalls. Many of the potatoes were as big as my fist and some were even larger. There were Yukon Golds, white potatoes, Red Skin potatoes, and purple potatoes.
Many purple vegetables, like beans and peppers, turn green when they are cooked. Purple potatoes will stay purple! Imagine the shocking look on your families' faces when you serve up purple mashed potatoes.
All potatoes have a good amount of the nutrient potassium (which helps regulate blood pressure) but purple potatoes have extra antioxidants that might help lower blood pressure, according to some studies.
Come see some unique vegetables at the Hodag Farmers Market this Saturday at Rhinelander's Pioneer Park from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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