Simple, Affordable, and Delicious: Why Potatoes Make Every Meal Better

Potatoes are arguably one of the most popular and widely used vegetables in the world. They are eaten in almost every cuisine, and with so many different varieties and preparation methods, there’s something for everyone.

Potatoes sometimes get a bad reputation for being a ‘bad carb’ or too high in sugar, but they are actually very nutritious and can be part of a well balanced diet. Potatoes are rich in potassium (a medium potato with the skin on provides more potassium than a banana), vitamin C, folic acid, iron, and vitamin B6 making them a nutritious and underrated vegetable. 

Potatoes are also a source of fibre. One medium potato, with the skin on, provides about 2.5g, or 10% of the daily recommended amount of fibre for women. Fibre helps to keep us feeling full after a meal, helps with regularity, and can help manage cholesterol and blood sugar levels. 

Potatoes are a complex carbohydrate, and make a great fuel source. When creating a balanced meal, aim to include a source of protein, non-starchy vegetables, and grains or starches. Potatoes make the perfect option for this last category. They provide quick energy for our brain and muscles to use and fuel our daily activities. 

Like most foods, it’s not the potato itself but the way it’s prepared that can cause a food to be less healthy. Find ways to enjoy them without deep frying or adding extra saturated fats (like butter, or sour cream). Instead try roasting them with olive oil and herbs for flavour, add to veggie rich soups, or boil and season with lemon and salt. And keep the skin on for extra fibre and nutrients!

And let’s not forget that potatoes are affordable, easy to find, keep for a long time, and are incredibly versatile in how they can be prepared. Making them a great option for everyone!

We’re all familiar with mashed potatoes, French fries and potato chips, but potatoes are such a versatile vegetable they can be used in more than these common dishes. 

For breakfast try making hash browns, or dicing them up and adding to a breakfast burrito with eggs and other vegetables. 

Here are some recipes to try:

For lunch, add roasted potatoes to a veggie bowl or salad, enjoy a potato salad, or try making your own potato chips.

Here are some recipes to try:

At dinner, experiment with baked potatoes using different toppings like beans, salsa or guacamole. Or try roasted potatoes, potato gratin, or enjoy a side of scalloped potatoes, 

Here are some recipes to try:

Potatoes are both versatile and nutritious, and they’re far from just a comfort food. They make a healthy fuel choice, and can be part of a balanced diet. Look for Ontario potatoes at your local farmers markets, and grocery stores, and try a new recipe!