Dig into Potatoes for December’s Harvest of the Month! Potatoes have been grown in the Peruvian Andes Mountains of South America since 5000 B.C. Peru is still considered the potato capital of the world, and they grow a wide variety of potatoes. There are more than 1,000 varieties of potatoes grown around the world and more than 100 varieties are grown in the United States. Did you know that potatoes were the first vegetable grown in space! And, the technology was developed by NASA and the University of Wisconsin-Madison! Potatoes have three key nutrients that help our bodies stay healthy in different ways. These include Vitamin B6 which is important for your immune system and brain function and helps you get energy from your food. The Vitamin C found in potatoes helps wounds heal, is also important for the immune system, and is an antioxidant, which protects our cells from damage. And they have potassium which helps maintain normal blood pressure. Try adding cubed potatoes to soups and stews, toss cooked, cubed potatoes with fresh garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper for a fun new twist, or make homemade potato wedges! Simply cut potatoes into wedges, toss with oil and seasonings, and bake 400° for 20-30 minutes until tender and golden brown. Dig into Potatoes for December’s Harvest of the Month!
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