By The Idaho Potato Commission
Eagle, Idaho – It’s no surprise that during the six week period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day more Idaho® potatoes are sold than during any other time of year. From creamy mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving to crispy latkes for Hanukkah to steaming big bakers for New Year’s Day, the versatile vegetable shines during the holiday season! While the preparation options for potatoes are endless, Idaho grows enough potatoes to feed millions of folks in the United States and around the world all year long.
Chew on This…
- Approximately 311,000 acres of Idaho® potatoes (that’s about 13 billions pounds) are harvested each year.
- That’s enough to fill 500 football stadiums 10 feet high!
- Ninety percent of those 311,000 acres will grow russet potatoes like Burbanks, Norkotahs, Rangers and Westerns.
- The remaining 10% will grow niche varieties like golds, reds, fingerlings and more.
- 412 pounds of Idaho potatoes are sold every second!
- Wondering how the potatoes are used?
- 43% are used in processed products (frozen and dehydrated)
- 43% are sold fresh
- 14% are grown for certified seed
- Idaho® potatoes are transported across the country via trucks (70%) and rail (30%).
- What makes Idaho® potatoes different from potatoes grown in other states? It’s a combination of Idaho’s rich volcanic soil, warm days, cool nights and an abundance of clean, fresh water from the majestic mountains.
- Who loves Idaho® potatoes the most? News Yorkers! Followed by folks from Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania and Texas.
Visit www.idahopotato.com for more fun facts, recipes and cooking tips.
About the Idaho Potato Commission
Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency that is responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho®” seal, a federally registered trademark that assures consumers they are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho’s growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain-fed irrigation and rich volcanic soil, give Idaho® potatoes their unique texture, taste and dependable performance. These ideal growing conditions are what differentiate Idaho® potatoes from potatoes grown in other states. For more information, visit www.idahopotato.com.