3 Reasons why Potatoes Rock

One of the frustrations I experienced now that it is school season is finding a healthy snack for my son. I need something that would give him the energy that would last the whole day but at the same time, taste delicious so I am guaranteed he will actually eat it.

Thankfully, he almost always eats whatever I prepare without too much fuss, but as a Mom, I want to prepare something that he will also enjoy. This is where potatoes come in handy. It’s tasty yet nutritious!

POTATOES ARE NUTRITIOUS

Potatoes contain antioxidants including vitamin C, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. Potatoes are a good source of vitamin B6, which is a nutrient that plays an important role in carbohydrate and protein metabolism.  It helps to turn the energy from food into energy your body can use. Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the DV), in fact, they have more vitamin C than one medium tomato (40% DV) or sweet potato (30% DV). Vitamin C plays a key role in the synthesis of collagen (important for healthy skin and gums) and may help support the body’s immune system.

POTATOES CAN BE COOKED IN SO MANY FORMS

Whether they’re baked, mashed, scalloped or roasted, in a bowl, salad or on a pizza -- potatoes make for happy kids and clean plates! Not only are they delicious, but potatoes provide the energy, carbohydrate and potassium kids need to power performance throughout the school day.

There are potato-based soups, salads, main dishes, and even sweet and savory desserts that use potatoes. A fave of ours is broccoli cheddar muffin.

Potatoes USA, an organization that has thankfully brought US frozen, US tablestock (fresh) and US dehydrated potatoes to our shores, offers a lot of options for potato meals.

The organization recently visited the culinary club of Diliman Preparatory School in Quezon City to demonstrate the potato’s versatility. After a session on the potato’s benefits, and a preparation and cooking demo, the students were challenged to try their own potato dishes at home.

The kids prepared Broccoli Cheddar Potato Puffs and Chocolate Mashed Potato Truffles.

For a wide array of mouthwatering potato recipes, visit the Potato Goodness website.

POTATOES ARE AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE

High quality US potatoes can be purchased from major supermarkets and groceries nationwide. For more information on US potatoes, visit the Potatoes USA website or like and follow Potatoes USA-Philippines on Facebook.