Eating What We Grow....and the Potato's uprising

Some people experience sensitivities or allergy-like symptoms eating nightshade plants harvested now throughout the Fall---tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers. The degree of food sensitivity varies by person, but greens from nightshade plants should not be eaten by anyone. Due to higher concentrates of alkaloids they are toxic. Green spots or green potatoes, are indications that the potato is toxic and should be avoided.

The humble potato, however, is not to be avoided. For decades it has been demoted to a starchy food causing weight gain. Now it is referred to as one of the healthiest foods in the world. (see whfoods.org) The simple baked potato is credited with photo chemicals that rival those in broccoli, having blood pressure lowering potential, and a good source of vitamin B6 ---which assists brain cell and nervous system activity, helps with athletic performance, and assists the cardiovascular system to protect itself against cancer.

Potatoes, carborhydrate-rich tubers, with skins are an excellent source of fiber. With 2 grams of fiber per serving a potato equals or exceeds that of whole grain bread, whole wheat pasta, and many cereals......making it a safe, nutritional and satisfying substitute for those watching their budget and those diagnoised Celiac. Potatoes are easy to grow and can have a high yield. Start with organic potatoes.

The humble potato's nutritional benefits are mostly in the skins which provide fiber. An average potato with the skin contains:

• 45% of the daily value for Vit. C.


• 620 mg. potassium comparable to bananas, spinach and broccoli.


• trace amounts of thiamine, riboflavin, foliate, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and vegetable protein.


• all for 110 calories and no fat.

Avoid buying cleaned potatoes in the store as their protective coating has been washed off making them more vunerable to bacteria. New potatoes are more suscetible to damage so choose ones not discolored.

Storing potatoes is best in a dark, dry place--not the refrigerator (which turns their starch into sugar), nor next to onions---as the gases they each emit cause both to degrade.

Hmmm......nutritious, inexpensive, easy to grow, satisfying, alternative to wheat products, low calories.........the humble potato could once again become a life-sustainer.