QUICK FACTS

Potato/Rīwai

Spanish explorers introduced potatoes to Europe from South America in the mid-1550s. Now they are part of almost every cuisine, featuring in diverse dishes from gnocchi and cottage pie to samosas and tapas.

Everyone loves potatoes

There are hundreds of varieties grown globally and they comprise 18% of vegetable sales in Aotearoa. Taewa (or rīwai) is the name for the varieties of potatoes cultivated by Māori prior to organised European settlement. Each variety has its own unique texture and flavour.

It’s all in the cooking

Potatoes contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, protein and fibre. Their high potassium content along with available energy makes potatoes an effective sports replacement food. To maximise the health benefits, skip the deep fryer and lashings of sour cream and instead bake or microwave potatoes in their skins. They also contain resistant starch for gut health. To optimise resistant starch, refrigerate pre-cooked potatoes before eating.

How big?!

According to the Guinness Book of Records, the biggest potato grown weighed 4.98 kg. This record is set to be challenged by a giant Kiwi spud, nicknamed Doug, which was unearthed at the end of 2021 by Hamilton couple Colin and Donna Craig-Brown.

The best spud for the job

Choosing the right potato makes all the difference. Floury potatoes like ‘Agria’ and ‘Ilam Hardy’ are good for roasting. Waxy potatoes like Perla®, ‘Haylo’ or Nadine’ are best for potato salads. Or choose an all-purpose potato like ‘Red Rascal’, ‘Rua’, ‘Desiree’ or ‘Purple Passion’. If you see starchy residue on the knife when you cut the potato, it is probably a floury variety.

Potato-based, dairy-free cappuccino anyone?

A new trend in non-dairy beverages is coming, with potato alternatives boasting nutrition, taste and environmental credentials. Swedish brand Dug recently released a range of new potato milk alternatives. Expect to see other potato-based dairy alternatives and potato protein products. The Simple Root, a brand backed by McCain, is developing a pipeline of innovative potato-based products.

A crunchy accident

Chef George Crum supposedly invented potato crisps/chips as a form of revenge when he served them to a customer who complained about thickly cut potatoes.

The whole potato

Scientists are looking at how to turn bio-waste from potato scraps into higher value products. Italian designers recently created “Peel Saver”, a packaging material for fries made out of potato peels.

Long live the potato!

Potatoes can last months, depending on storage. They are best kept in a ventilated, dark, dry environment, slighter warmer than a refrigerator. Storing potatoes in the refrigerator can change the flavour. Sunlight will turn them green and generate glycoalkaloids, which are toxic. Never eat potatoes that have fully sprouted (remove small sprouts, along with the eyes). Store onions and potatoes separately to avoid decay.

Potatoes or rice?

Potatoes are more environmentally sustainable than staples like rice or pasta and also deliver more nutrients. The Chinese government is promoting potato growing to promote food security, and research in the journal Nature Food suggests this dietary shift could cut China’s greenhouse crop emissions from food staples by 25%.