Russet Potatoes are the June Harvest of the Month

While some may disagree on the pronunciation of “potato,” there’s no denying that potatoes are one of the most popular and versatile foods in the world.

What began as an underground discovery is now served at nearly every restaurant and sold in every supermarket. Russet potatoes are the most consumed type of potato, and they’re used in just about everything from flours to hash browns.

During the month of June, you may find peas used more abundantly in a variety of recipes from our cafeterias.

Did You Know?

  • They’re grown in every U.S. state
  • They were the first food grown in outer space
  • The largest potato ever recorded is about 10 pounds
  • Some people use potatoes to remove rust on items such as garden tools
  • Potatoes were first grown in South America

Try These Delicious Recipes

Mashed Russet Potatoes
Russet Potato Salad
Roasted Rosemary Potatoes

How to Buy and Store: Buy potatoes that are smooth, firm and evenly colored. Store potatoes in a cool, dark and dry area such as a pantry. It’s best to keep potatoes in a mesh bag or a lightly sealed paper bag so that they get good air circulation. Discard potatoes that appear green, have sprouts or taste bitter because this indicates that they may be high in glycoalkaloids (which are toxic in certain quantities). Potatoes that are stored in a cool pantry typically stay fresh for three to five weeks.

Making it Kid-Friendly: It’s easy to make potatoes kid-friendly since there are so many ways to enjoy them. The most common ways that kids eat potatoes include:

  • Breakfast potatoes, hash browns or tater tots
  • Stuffed baked potatoes
  • Mashed potatoes

Nutrition and Health Benefits: As a starchy root vegetable, potatoes are a great source of vitamins and nutrients. Potatoes are also a good source of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates give us energy and aid in the functioning of the brain, kidneys, heart and nervous system.

Calories: 168Protein: 4.5g
Total Fat: 0gFiber: 4g
Total Carbohydrate: 37gIron: 1.83mg
Sugars: 2gVitamin C: 12.1mg
Sodium: 24mgVitamin B6: 0.2mg
Magnesium: 49mgPotassium: 888mg
Calcium: 27.7mg

Serving Size: 1 medium russet potato