POTATOES IN THE SPOTLIGHT

on Friday, 30 April 2021. Posted in Blog & News

Men’s Health magazine published an 8-page feature spread on the nutritional value – and delicious taste – of potatoes in its recent May issue. The article, available online in May, addresses long-standing myths and misinformation that potatoes are anything but a nutrient-dense vegetable and good carb. The authors state, “One medium-sized baked potato delivers six grams of protein and four grams of fiber, as well as high amounts of bone-assisting calcium, heart-helping potassium, and immunity-supporting vitamin C.” Potatoes USA partner, Dr. Kathie Beals, contributes to the article by sharing which potatoes work best for different recipes and noting that all potato types are nutritionally similar. The article also offers several recipes and ideas for nourishing baked potato toppings.

Potatoes also continue to shine across other leading consumer media as a nutrient-dense vegetable and a source of key nutrients. Here’s a few other recent media highlights:

In a Real Simple article, Potatoes USA partner, Cara Harbstreet RD, highlights the nutritional value of potatoes. Harbstreet dives right into how potatoes are a great choice, from a nutrients per dollar stance, because they include eight important nutrients.

Purewow rounds up 20 plant-based protein sources – including potatoes. The article says, “all potatoes are secret protein powerhouses,” but gives red potatoes extra love noting them as an especially good source of iron, potassium, and fiber.

Insider calls out 11 foods higher in potassium than a banana – with potatoes topping the list. The article suggests eating home fries or hash browns if you’re craving a savory breakfast, which will also increase your potassium intake. Registered dietitian Amanda Nicole, who contributed to the article, adds, “potatoes are full of fiber and resistant starch, which can keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent any blood sugar spikes or crashes that can leave you feeling tired and fatigued later.”

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Encouraging school foodservice operators to use more poatoes

Encouraging school foodservice operators to use more poatoes

As America’s Favorite Vegetable, potatoes can help provide students with the nutrients and energy they need to do their best during the school day. That’s why it’s important to remind school foodservice operators that potatoes are not only delicious, but also cost-effective and a nutritious addition to the school menu. In partnership with the School Nutrition Association (SNA), two webinars featured potatoes.  The first webinar, “Maximize Your Menus and Minimize Labor Constraints with Potatoes”, showcased potatoes through on-trend, student-friendly menu innovations and solutions to ease labor strains. The second webinar, “Fun Summer Feeding with Potatoes”, showcased how putting potatoes at the center of the plate can enhance summer feeding programs in fresh and fun ways. Both webinars included a live cooking demonstration with Potatoes USA Culinary Director Chef RJ Harvey, RD and Award-Winning Author Dayle Hayes, MS, RD. The demonstrations were pre-recorded in the Potatoes USA Spud Lab and were a big hit with the participants. Webinars Key Takeaways: Nutritional benefits of potatoes at an affordable price How potatoes can limit food waste Ways potatoes can take over as the center of the plate How serving potatoes to children over the summer can be fun Upon webinar completion, attendees were able to earn continuing education credits. All recipes and resources utilized in the webinar are available on the SNA website for future download. Following are some quotes from the operators who were very engaged in the webinar chat. “My favorite Webinar I’ve seen so far this year. VERY helpful and insightful. Well Done!”  “Love Dayle and RJ as a team. Can they please start a cooking youtube series? ‘Dayle and RJ: Potatoes for All!’” “Great webinar, gained new ideas for using potatoes. Thank you!” SNA is recognized as the authority on school nutrition and utilizes weekly webinars to educate their 50,000+ members. For more information on K-12 School Foodservice marketing activities, email potatoesraisethebar@potatoesusa.com.

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