Potato Theory Flashcards
Where did potatoes originate?
From the Andean region of South America
How did economist Parmentier introduce potatoes into the French diet?
He had his potatoes guarded by day and unguarded at night. Many people tried them solely because they had to steal them to get them
What do federal government regulations regulate? (3)
Grading, packaging and marketing
What grade must potatoes meet?
Canada No 1 grade
What are the seven criteria for grading potatoes?
Size Shape Maturity Free of dirt Free if blemishes Free of disease Free of injury
What are the requirements for packaging potatoes? (4)
Containers must be free of stains, shall not be soiled, warped, broken or damaged, and shall be securely closed
They also must be packaged in new clean containers
What are the main types of potatoes used and grown across Canada?
Cobbler (good for BOILING)
Green Mountain (good for BOILING and BAKING)
Katahdin (good for BOILING, DEEP FRYING aka French fries)
Kennebec (good for BOILING, BAKING and DEEP FRYING)
Norgold Russet (good for BOILING and DEEP FRYING)
Sebago (good for BOILING and BAKING)
What are two crops potatoes come in?
Early and late
They vary in shape color and size
They should however all have the same or similar quality factors
Which crop is defined as a “New Potato”?
The early crop
What should you pick according to when choosing potatoes?
Your cooking method
Every potato cooks differently in different cooking methods. Some are better suited for certain methods than others.
Why should potatoes be stored in the dark?
Too much light exposure could cause a naturally occurring toxin (solanine) to be produced
Solanine turns potatoes green and gives them a bitter taste. It is toxic and causes solanine poisoning.
Why are green potatoes bad for you?
Green potatoes contain a mild toxic alkaloid which should not be consumed
What is another risk with storing potatoes after they’ve been cooked?
If potatoes wrapped in tin foil are left to cool on the counter too long, the combo of being wrapped up and sitting on the counter too long creates an ideal environment for botulism to occur
What are potatoes a good source of? (6)
Vitamin C, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin
