Best Spuddies
Best Spuddies
Potatoes are a starchy tuber root vegetable with a very popular appeal and following. They are a veggie favorite and loved by so many depicted by their popularity in cuisines around the world. Each country has its own delicious way of preparing potatoes making them an all time favorite food for all ages. Potatoes are… Read More »
Potatoes are a starchy tuber root vegetable with a very popular appeal and following. They are a veggie favorite and loved by so many depicted by their popularity in cuisines around the world. Each country has its own delicious way of preparing potatoes making them an all time favorite food for all ages. Potatoes are unique in that each unique variety has its own sugary profile which not only affects its taste, it also influences the way they are prepared. Why are Yukon gold potatoes a favorite for mashed potato dishes? It mainly has to do with their lower starch content. Higher starch content potatoes such as Russet are better for frying or oven baking. Lower starch content potatoes such as fingerings are more suitable for eating in their whole form. Not sure what potato to use when? Not to worry, opting for a good all-purpose potato, such as Yukon Gold, is the way to go for boiling, roasting, frying or mashing.
Potatoes are a fun crop for us on our farm as it is not only something that feeds families, it also provides educational opportunities to learn how they are grown. Families love visiting our farm and digging in the dirt to harvest their own potatoes in our pick your own fields. It’s a fun and rewarding experience for all who try it.
Potatoes are a favorite crop not only for their culinary versatility but also for their storage capability. Potatoes can last with proper storage for long periods of time. Make sure your potatoes are dry and never wash them before putting them away even if they have a little dirt on them. Potatoes have a protective layer that aids in their storage so it’s best to keep that intact before placing them in a cool, dry and dark place for long term storage where they have the potential to last through the Winter and that is why they are in season now. 
We plant six different varieties of potatoes on 5 acres of farmland and begin planting in late Spring along with our other root and tuber vegetables, such as carrots and beets. We plant them before it becomes warm as they are a cool weather vegetable crop and colder weather planting also improves their taste and growing capabilities. Potatoes are ready to harvest when their foliage turns yellow. First we cut the tops and then a week later we will harvest the tubers and allow them to dry in our greenhouses before storing.
Miss Jenn, our culinary and educational specialist, has created a fun and easy recipe for potato skins for you to enjoy. This is a great appetizer, meal accompaniment or healthy snack for anytime. Get the recipe for Alstede Fresh potato skins here. Looking for more fabulous recipes featuring the potato in season? Check them out here and start your eating in season journey with us on our farm.
Best wishes from our farm kitchen to yours! xo
