The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association is featuring the nutritional benefits potatoes naturally provide and showcasing their versatility, says Dana Rady, director of promotions, communication and consumer education of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association.
This year's Wisconsin crop is showing excellent quality, Rady said. USDA statistics in mid-November indicated Wisconsin grower-shippers accounted for 12% of total U.S. potato shipments.
“Wisconsin's quality is looking very good this year,” she said. “Growers are happy with the outcome considering that the state saw a bit more rain in some areas compared to last year.”
One item of note in the region has been upward trending volume for yellow potatoes, Rady said.
“Their buttery appearance and flavor and floury texture are causing consumers to look at this potato with new eyes,” she said. “They even add a hint of color compared to white potatoes, which provides some dishes with a bit more dimension. Potatoes have been and continue to be America's favorite vegetable thanks to their health benefits, versatility and delicious flavor.”
Rady said other industry trends point to good demand for smaller potatoes.
“Smaller potatoes, like petites and specialty varieties, are popular for their color and size, and it provides a slightly faster cooking time when in a pinch,” she said.
Potatoes are popular during every season, Rady said, including the holiday period.
“They are a very satiating vegetable and a whole food, which means they naturally offer the nutrients our bodies need to perform at their best and they keep us feeling full for longer periods of time,” she said.
And they're also a versatile vegetable.
"They're great as a side dish, a salad, as the center of the plate or even incorporated into desserts," Rady said. "The fact that they can be incorporated into all those areas and that there are so many different varieties and types to choose from make potatoes the perfect inclusion to any meal. Additionally, potatoes offer the most nutrients per penny, are very affordable and easy to purchase any time of the year.”
Sustainability focus
The group is showcasing the sustainable ways in which Wisconsin growers produce the highest quality potatoes and vegetables to feed families, Rady said.Monthly articles and blog posts as well as TV spots, social media posts, Spudmobile visits and various sponsorships with TV shows like "Mad Dog & Merrill" and "Wisconsin Foodie" are helping the association communicate those messages in various ways, she said.
Wisconsin growers continue to do a masterful job of handling whatever conditions Mother Nature gives them, she said.
“[Growers] are constantly going with the flow and handling situations as they arise, something they do willingly out of love for their vocation and the ability to feed families,” Rady said.
Marathon sponsorship
Participants were given a free baked potato and the choice of several toppings at the end of the race, Rady said.
“Potatoes are the perfect food to eat after exercise because they help your body recover from activity, so featuring Wisconsin potatoes as this post-race food was the perfect way to feature its whole-food and natural nutritional benefits," Rady said. "It was also a hearty choice as the weather was a bit cool and rainy, so the loaded potatoes were also a comforting choice after a long run."