The Powerful Wisconsin Potato!

Potatoes are one of the most versatile vegetables available. No matter if you like them mashed or baked, they are good for you, good for Wisconsin, and good for the environment.

First, potatoes pack a nutritious punch – a potato has nearly twice as much potassium as a banana and supplies as much vitamin C as a glass of orange juice. When you eat them with the skin, a potato is full of good-for-you fiber. The best part is that they are nutrient-dense, which means low in calories -- a medium-sized potato has only 100 calories, zero fat grams, no sodium, and no cholesterol.

The low-carb craze has some thinking that potatoes are “off-limits.” But did you know that a potato contains only 9% of your recommended daily value for carbohydrates? The potato is packed with complex carbohydrates, a healthier source of energy than simple carbs such as refined sugars. Potatoes are also great for your heart. American Heart Association states that diets high in potassium and low in sodium – just like potatoes – may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

Potatoes don’t just contribute to a healthy body – they also help create a healthy economy, too. Wisconsin is the 3 rd largest potato producing state in the nation, with the central sands counties of Wisconsin growing the bulk of these terrific tubers. Wisconsin potatoes accounted for nearly $200 million in farm-gate receipts in 2002. When you pick Wisconsin potatoes, not only are you getting a fresher vegetable, you’re boosting Wisconsin’s economy.

Wisconsin potato growers harvest a lot of potatoes each year, but quantity is not the only thing that matters to them. Quality is an important focus as well. Several of Wisconsin’s potato growers, together with agencies such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), joined together to create the Healthy Grown potato label. Healthy Grown potatoes meet strict environmental standards for production and only Wisconsin producers participate in the Healthy Grown program.

Additionally, potatoes are also more convenient to prepare today than ever before. Growers are constantly exploring ways to make enjoying potatoes easier for you. From pre-washed potatoes for baking to pre-cut and pre-packed wedges, fitting healthy potatoes into your busy schedule is possible.

Buying Wisconsin potatoes is important to your health and our state. Visit www.SavorWisconsin.com to find out more about potato growers near you. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Wisconsin potatoes!