Potatoes are root vegetables that grow in the ground. Potatoes can be white, yellow, red or even purple. There are a variety of potatoes including Russet, yellow, red, Yukon gold and German butterball.
Nutrition and Health Benefits of Potatoes
Potatoes are a good source of potassium, which helps with muscle movements and keeps your heart healthy. They also contain vitamin C, which helps heal cuts and wounds and supports our immune system.
How to Select Potatoes
Choose firm potatoes with smooth skin. Avoid potatoes with splits, mold, sprouts, soft spots, bad smell or a green color.
How to Store Potatoes
Store unwashed potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place. Use within 3-5 weeks. If potatoes have dirt on them, wipe off with a clean dry towel before storing.
How to Prepare Potatoes
- Boil, bake, roast, microwave, fry, or grill potatoes
- Use in a casserole
- Thinly slice potatoes and bake in the oven to make homemade potato chips
- Make potato salad
- Shred to make hash browns
- Use potatoes to make gnocchi
- Make mashed potatoes
- Bake and top with various toppings
- Add to soups or stews
Seasonal Availability of Potatoes in Nebraska
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvest | x | x | x | x | ||||||||
| Market | x | x | x | x |
Featured Recipes
Materials to Print
The Seasonal Produce Handouts page includes a variety of handouts, recipes, and recipe cards that are available as downloadable PDFs. You can use these resources in your educational programs.
Source:
- Fruit and Veggie Fact Sheets, UNL Nutrition Education Program
- Seasonal Produce Guide - Potatoes, SNAP-Ed Connection
- Nebraska Harvest Schedule, Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska
