Fast Facts On Spuds

Potatoes are the most popular vegetable in America, ahead of other favorites such as lettuce and onions. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, and are included in one out of every three meals eaten by Americans. When prepared in a healthful way, potatoes are a great source of energy and pack a nutritional punch.

• Like oranges, potatoes are high in vitamin C. In fact, one medium potato has 45% of the vitamin C recommended daily for good health.
• Potatoes are high in fiber and carbohydrates and contain more potassium than a banana.
• Potatoes are naturally low in calories and contain no fat, sodium or cholesterol.
• Potato skins provide fiber, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus and B vitamins.
• Potatoes can be prepared by boiling, steaming, roasting or microwaving them. Add only small amounts of "light" butter or margarine, low fat sour cream or yogurt products to keep your meal healthy.
• Avoid refrigerating or freezing potatoes—it turns the potatoes' starches to sugar and will cause potatoes to turn dark when cooked.
• When storing potatoes, keep them in a cool, dark and well ventilated place. Too much light causes them to turn green.