Organic Potatoes

Organic potatoes are the same species as the ordinary ones and the difference comes from how they are grown and how much artificial practices are used on them on farms and in gardens. No fertilizer and no pesticides can be used on potatoes in order for them to be organic.

There’s a growing trend of using these potatoes instead of the ordinary ones and that has started in the 80s but it’s only gain wider popularity recently. They are mostly sold to better farmer’s markets and to some restaurants.

Trivia

• Potatoes were believed to cause leprosy.
• They originate in America
• They were used as decorative plants.

Buying Guide

The potatoes should be well shaped, firmed and have a smooth skin. They are usually sold clean because that makes them more presentable, however, it’s a mistake to do so. Try to look for potatoes with some dirt still on them since that will make for a protective coat.

Production & Farming in Texas

The production of these potatoes has grown rapidly recently and the sales has rose 14 percent every year since 2016. That’s because there are new markets and especially so in urban areas of Texas. They are grown every in the state and the process for doing so is similar to ordinary potatoes.

The site in which you plan to plant the potatoes needs to have at least six hours of sun a day. The soil should be well drained and they will grow in a moderately fertile soil without any problem. The soil shouldn’t be used to grow potatoes or tomatoes in the past two years.

The potatoes could be planted as soon as you’re able to work the soil meaning after the frost when the soil is easy enough to plant in. There are a few methods to use for planting:

-Planting in trenches
-Planting in individual planting holes
-They can be planted in barrels and used trash cans if you don’t have enough time.

New potatoes can be dug up at any time at the season but if you want to wait for them to be mature, you should wait just before the first hard frost for your harvest.

Pesticides

No pesticides can be used in order for potatoes to be considered to be organic.

Geography

Potatoes were first grown in the Americas and then brought to Europe by the Spanish and Italian explorers. They have become a staple of the local cuisine where ever they were brought even if it took them a while. That’s because they are easy to grow and they are rather nutritious.

These organic potatoes are a much more recent innovation due to the recent increase in interest for the healthy food as well as the influence our food production has on the environment. They are grown across Texas and the US as a whole.

Packaging

 

Organic potatoes are packed just like ordinary ones. That means you can pack them in sacks or in cardboard boxes depending on how they are stored and sold. The potatoes should be kept in the dark room and one that’s chilly but not refrigerated.

Potatoes are easy to move and easy to store and that’s what makes them such a versatile vegetable. For the most part they are sold by the pound but they can be sold by the sack as well.

Enjoying

Everything you can do with the ordinary potatoes can be done with the organic potatoes as well. They need to be cleaned, peeled and then used in a recipe. They can be cooked, fried, mashed and used as a side dish or added to salads to make them more compact.

Organic potatoes will be a bit milder and a bit sweeter than the ordinary ones. They will also be smaller in size and that’s what you need to consider when you’re buying them. You’ll need a larger sack for the same amount of potatoes.

These potatoes are also rather easy to peel and prepare even more so than the ordinary ones.

Storage

Potatoes shouldn’t be refrigerated when stored. It’s enough to keep them in a pantry. That should be a dry and cold place and you should do well to keep the potatoes in a layer of dirt or at least not to clean them when they are taken from the soil in order to protect them for a longer period of time.

Cooking

There’s no limit to dishes that can be cooked using potatoes and this is one easy and simple recipe that brings out some of their best qualities.

Place potatoes in large pot, add enough cold water to cover, and bring to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons salt, reduce heat, and simmer until just tender, 15 to 18 minutes. Drain potatoes and return to pot.

Meanwhile, place cream, butter, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, and peppercorns in small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Strain cream mixture into pot with potatoes. Add 3/4 teaspoon salt and mash to desired consistency. Sprinkle with nutmeg before serving if desired.

Nutrition

Potatoes are mainly composed of carbs, primarily in the form of starch. The carb content ranges from 66–90% of dry weight Simple sugars — such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose — are also present in small amounts. Potatoes usually rank high on the glycemic index (GI), making them unsuitable for people with diabetes. The GI measures how foods affect your rise in blood sugar after a meal.  However, some potatoes may be in the medium range — depending on the variety and cooking methods Cooling potatoes after cooking may lessen their effect on blood sugar and lower their GI by 25–26%).

Even though potatoes are not a high-fiber food, they may provide a significant source of fiber for those who eat them regularly.  The level of fiber is highest in the skin, which makes up 1–2% of the potato. In fact, dried skins are about 50% fiber.  Potato fibers — such as pectin, cellulose, and hemicellulose — are mainly insoluble They also contain varying amounts of resistant starch, a type of fiber that feeds the friendly bacteria in your gut and improves digestive health).  Resistant starch can also improve blood sugar control, moderating your rise in blood sugar after meals. Compared to hot potatoes, cooled ones offer higher amounts of resistant starch.

When Are Organic Potatoes in Season in Texas?