VEGETABLE HIGHLIGHT: THE POTATO

WHAT IS IT?
The potato is an edible tuber of an ancient plant, cultivated 4000 years ago in South America. Spanish explorers in the New World brought potatoes back to Europe in the 16th century after discovering that they prevented scurvy. The potato was not widely cultivated in Northern Europe until the 18th century when it lost its reputation as a cause of leprosy. It became so popular in Ireland that when disease attacked the potato crop in 1845, the country was plunged into a terrible famine that caused many starving Irish citizens to emigrate to America.

STORAGE:
Potatoes can be stored in a cool, dark, dry place for about 2 months. Avoid storing in plastic bags, which encourages mold growth.

PREP:
Scrub potatoes in cold water and peel; or, if you prefer, cook with skins on. Potatoes that are more than half green should be thrown away. Otherwise trim off the green bits and any "eyes." Once cut, cook immediately or store covered in cold water.

USAGE SUGGESTIONS:
There is no shortage of recipes for potatoes. Fried, roasted, baked, boiled, or sauteed, any way you mash them up, potatoes have reached culinary icon status in many cultures. Use waxy potatoes like Yukon golds for mashed, baked or boiled potatoes. The best french fries are made from the more starchy russet potato.