Potato Farming
Grandfather made a living raising potatoes on his farm. When Grandfather loses his will to live because of the fear that the farm will be lost to the unpaid taxes, Willy takes over the responsibilities of the farm. He and Searchlight, Willy's dog, even harvest the potato crop. Learn about potatoes below, then try some of our potato recipes.
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Potatoes were first cultivated in about 200 B.C. by the Inca Indians in Peru. Their popularity spread among the Native Americans who used potatoes as a staple food. When white men came to America they began eating potatoes and their popularity spread to Europe. During the Alaskan Klondike Gold Rush potatoes were worth their weight in gold.
Today the United States crops of potatoes are grown mostly in Maine and Idaho. Potatoes like a cool, moist climate. Potatoes are grown by slicing the tubers into pieces that have two or three "eyes" each. These eyes grow when the potato pieces are placed underground. Potatoes must be dug in the Fall before cold weather sets in, because they are sensitive to frost.
Potatoes are a healthy food. They are a good sources of protein, vitamin C, the B vitamins, potassium, phosphorus, and iron. The minerals of the potato are concentrated in a thin layer beneath the skin. This is why you should eat the entire potato.
| One serving-a 5.3 ounce, medium
potato-provides: 45 percent of the Daily Value for vitamin C 21 percent of the Daily Value for potassium Three grams of fiber Only 100 calories |
Have you ever wondered how Americans like their potatoes?
| Usage Facts, all varieties, 2000: Fresh market 26% Frozen products 35% Potato chips 10% Dehydrated products 11% Canned products 1% |
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Try our potato recipes.
| Cheese Potatoes 8 medium sized potatoes Peel and slice the potatoes. Dice the onion. Boil the onion and potatoes until tender. Remove for heat and drain the water. Add the cheese, sour cream, and soup. Mix well. Place in a baking dish. Bake at 350º for 45 minutes until the mixture is bubbly. |
| Twice Baked Potatoes 8 medium sized potatoes Wash potatoes. Wrap in aluminum foil and bake at 400º for 45 minutes to one hour until potatoes are tender when poked with a fork. In a medium pan sauté the onion, pepper and mushrooms. Slice each potato in half. Scoop out the tender flesh. Mix the potato flesh with the margarine and milk. Stir in the onion, pepper,and mushrooms. Restuff the potatoes. Cover with the cheese. Place the potatoes back into the oven until the cheese melts and the potato is hot. |