Potato Facts

Q: What nutrients are in potatoes?

Potatoes are a source of carbohydrates, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and fiber.

Q: What are some different kinds of potatoes?

Common varieties include red potatoes, baking potatoes, and Russet potatoes.

Learn fun potato facts and general information about potatoes. This page includes how potatoes grow, how to choose and store them, potato nutrition facts, potato types, and easy potato recipe ideas.

Kids Cooking Activities Teaching Materials

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Fun Potato Facts

Potatoes grow underground.
They are dug up from the soil.
There are many kinds of potatoes.
Potatoes can be baked, boiled, roasted, mashed, or fried.
Potatoes are a common ingredient in many side dishes and meals.

How Potatoes Grow, Buying Tips, and Storage

When Potatoes Are Available

Potatoes are available all year.

How Do Potatoes Grow?

Potatoes grow underground and are dug up in autumn time.

What to Look for When Buying Potatoes

Choose potatoes that are firm, heavy, and have no cuts or cracks. Different varieties include red potatoes, baking potatoes, and Russet potatoes.

Potato Storage Tips

Store potatoes in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Kid Tip: Scrub potatoes well before cooking, especially if you are leaving the skin on.

How to Cook with Potatoes

How to Use Potatoes

Wash the potatoes well.
Peel them if needed, or leave the skins on.
Cut into cubes, slices, fries, or wedges.
Boil, bake, roast, fry, mash, or use in salad and soups.

Cooking Tip: Some potatoes hold their shape well for roasting, while others are better for mashing or baking.

Types of Potatoes

Red potatoes are often smooth and work well in salads and roasting.

Russet potatoes are common baking potatoes and are great for fries and mashed potatoes.

Fingerling or small potatoes are good for roasting and side dishes.

Food Science: Why Potatoes Cook in Different Ways

Why Are Some Potatoes Better for Baking and Others Better for Boiling?

Different types of potatoes have different textures inside. Some are fluffier and some are firmer.

That is why one kind of potato may make a better baked potato, while another works better in salads or roasting dishes.

Mini Activity

Potato Variety Sort

Look at different potatoes if you have them, such as red, Russet, or small potatoes.
Sort them by size, shape, or color.
Talk about which one you think would be best for baking, roasting, or making fries.
Count how many different kinds you found.

This activity helps kids observe food variety and practice sorting skills.

Potato Nutrition Facts

Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates. One-half cup cooked potato is one serving. Potatoes also contain vitamin C, vitamin B6, and fiber.

Potatoes provide carbohydrates for energy.
They contain vitamin C.
They also provide vitamin B6.
Potatoes contain fiber too.

More Food Fact Resources

Potato Recipes

Baked Seasoned Fries or Wedges

Easy baked potato fries or wedges made with Parmesan cheese, olive oil, basil, and seasoning salt.

Category: Side Dish
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 to 20 minutes
Yield: Varies

Ingredients

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon basil
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
4 medium potatoes, cut into fries or wedges

Directions

Place the potato fries or wedges on a cookie sheet.
Toss the oil and seasonings together and pour over the potatoes.
Bake at 425 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.

Serving Tip: These wedges make a simple side dish for lunch or dinner. See more french fries recipes.

Three Color Roasted Potatoes

Roasted tri-color fingerling potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, garlic, and sauteed onions.

Category: Side Dish
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 to 30 minutes
Yield: Varies

Ingredients

1 lb tri-color fingerling potatoes, washed and cut in half
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, minced
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon coconut oil
2 large white onions, cut into thin strips

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet.
Toss potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Spread on the baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 15 minutes.
Turn the potatoes and roast another 10 to 15 minutes, or until fork tender.
While potatoes roast, saute onions in coconut oil until deep brown, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Add onions to the potatoes, toss gently, and serve immediately.

Flavor Tip: Rosemary and garlic add a savory flavor to roasted potatoes.

Easy Baked Potato Chips Video

More Potato Recipes

Potato Pancakes

Use potatoes in a savory pancake recipe.

Potato Skins

Turn potatoes into a fun snack or appetizer.

Potato Gnocchi

See how potatoes can be used in pasta-style dishes.

Potato Nests

Make a fun potato recipe with a different shape and texture.

Creamed Potatoes and Peas

Combine potatoes with peas in a creamy side dish.

Potato Bar

Set up a baked potato bar with different toppings.

Kids Cooking Video: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Potato Facts FAQ

When are potatoes available?

Potatoes are available all year.

How do potatoes grow?

Potatoes grow underground and are dug up in autumn.

What should you look for when buying potatoes?

Choose potatoes that are firm, heavy, and free of cuts or cracks.

How should potatoes be stored?

Store potatoes in a cool, dark, and dry place.

What nutrients are in potatoes?

Potatoes contain carbohydrates, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and fiber.

What are some different kinds of potatoes?

Common kinds include red potatoes, baking potatoes, Russet potatoes, and fingerling potatoes.

Keep Learning About Potatoes

Food Facts Hub

Explore more ingredient pages and food learning ideas.

Kids Cooking Lessons

Build more kitchen skills with hands-on lessons and activities.

Potato Egg Cups

Use potatoes in an easy breakfast-style recipe.

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