National Potato Day (August 19)

One weird holiday on August 19th is National Potato Day. Check out the other weird July holidays!

Every August 19th, culinary enthusiasts and comfort food lovers across the globe celebrate National Potato Day, honoring one of the world’s most popular and versatile vegetables. Whether mashed, baked, fried, or boiled, potatoes have carved their niche in the hearts of many as a staple ingredient in countless cuisines.

This day is not just about indulging in delicious potato dishes; it’s a celebration of the rich history, nutritional benefits, and cultural significance of this humble tuber. Learn more about the potato in this article, and scroll to the bottom for delicious recipes.

When is National Potato Day?

National Potato Day is celebrated each year on August 19th.

Who Invented National Potato Day?

The specific origins and creator of National Potato Day are not clearly documented, much like many such celebratory days. It is likely that National Potato Day was established by agricultural organizations, potato growers, or food enthusiasts who wanted to celebrate and promote the versatility and nutritional benefits of potatoes. This day serves to increase awareness about potatoes, encourage consumption, and educate the public on the various ways potatoes can be enjoyed, as well as their economic and nutritional importance globally. Such thematic days often gain popularity through social media and community events, becoming part of national and sometimes international calendars.

The Historical Journey of the Potato

Potatoes, originating from the Andean mountain regions of South America, have a vibrant history that dates back over 10,000 years. First cultivated by the Inca Indians in Peru, the potato was brought to Europe by Spanish explorers in the early 16th century. Its introduction to the European diet was initially met with resistance due to superstitions and unfamiliarity but eventually became a cornerstone of food security in Europe, particularly noted for its role in alleviating the Great Famine in Ireland in the 19th century.

The adaptability of potatoes allowed them to thrive in diverse climates, leading to widespread cultivation across Europe and later, the rest of the world. Today, they are one of the largest food crops globally, second only to rice, wheat, and maize.

During wartime, especially during World Wars I and II, potatoes became essential due to their ability to be stored without refrigeration and their nutritional value. They were often used as a substitute for foods that were hard to come by during the wars.

Diverse Types of Potatoes

There are over 4,000 varieties of potatoes worldwide, each with unique colors, shapes, and flavor profiles. These varieties can be classified into several categories:

Starchy Potatoes: These include the russet and Idaho varieties, which are ideal for baking and frying due to their fluffy, dry texture.

Waxy Potatoes: Varieties like Red Bliss and fingerling potatoes have a waxy texture and hold their shape well after cooking, making them perfect for salads and stews.

All-Purpose Potatoes: Yukon Gold like these French potatoes and white potatoes are versatile and can be used in almost any dish, balancing starch and moisture content well.

Health Benefits of Potatoes

Despite misconceptions about their nutritional value, when prepared healthily, potatoes are a powerhouse of nutrients. Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium, essential for cardiovascular health and overall well-being. The skins of potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps manage blood sugar levels.

Certain types of potatoes, particularly those with colorful flesh like purple potatoes, contain antioxidants that can help prevent diseases by neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body.

Potatoes taste best when they’re cooked as opposed to raw. It’s also important to make sure you store potatoes correctly or else you’ll discover that your potatoes have gone bad.

Potatoes in Modern Culture

In modern culture, potatoes are celebrated for their role in comfort food dishes around the world. From French fries and potato chips to vodka and potato bread, the potato’s versatility has made it a cultural icon in the culinary world.

Chefs and home cooks alike continually invent new ways to enjoy potatoes, pushing the boundaries of traditional dishes to include global flavors and modern cooking techniques.

Numerous festivals and events dedicated to potatoes, such as the Idaho Potato Drop and the Maine Potato Blossom Festival, attract thousands of visitors annually, highlighting the economic and cultural significance of potatoes.

Fun Facts About Potatoes

Potatoes are not only a versatile kitchen staple but also a fascinating crop with a rich history and numerous surprising qualities. Here are some fun facts about potatoes that showcase their unique characteristics:

Ancient Origins: Potatoes were first domesticated by the Inca Indians in Peru around 8,000 BC to 5,000 BC, making them one of the oldest crops known to humanity.
Astronaut Food: Potatoes were the first vegetable grown in space. NASA and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, created the technology with the goal of feeding astronauts on long space voyages, and potentially feeding future space colonies.
Giant Spuds: The world record for the heaviest potato ever grown was set by a potato that weighed in at an astonishing 18 pounds, 4 ounces according to the Guinness Book of World Records. It was grown in England in 1795.
Potato King: The potato is so significant in Ireland that there’s a statue of Sir Walter Raleigh holding a potato in Cork. Raleigh is credited with bringing the potato to Ireland, although this claim is subject to historical debate.
Toxic Parts: While potato tubers are safe to eat, the green parts of the plant are toxic. Potato plants contain solanine, a natural defense mechanism against insects and predators that can be harmful to humans.
Electricity Conductors: Potatoes can be used to create battery power. By inserting zinc and copper electrodes into a potato, you can generate a small amount of electricity. The phosphoric acid in the potato serves as a good conductor.
Not Just for Eating: Apart from being used in dishes, potato juice is said to have skin benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and potential to clear blemishes.
Potato Varieties: There are over 4,000 different types of potatoes worldwide. Each variety has its own size, shape, color, and culinary attributes that make it suitable for different types of dishes.
Presidential Seal: Thomas Jefferson is credited with introducing “French fries” to America when he served them at a White House dinner.
A Staple at Nobel Banquets: Potatoes are frequently served at Nobel Banquet dinners. They are chosen for their versatility and ability to complement a variety of dishes.

Ways to Celebrate National Potato Day

National Potato Day is a wonderful opportunity to explore and enjoy the versatility of potatoes in various delicious and fun ways. Here are several ideas to help you celebrate this beloved tuber on its special day:

Potato Recipe Swap Party: Host a potato-themed potluck where each guest brings a different potato dish, like these easy cheesy funeral potatoes. This can be a great way to discover new recipes and enjoy classics like mashed potatoes, potato salad, or even exotic dishes like potato curry.
Potato Cooking Marathon: Dedicate the day to cooking a variety of potato dishes at home. You can make breakfast with hash browns or sweet potatoes, lunch with a potato soup, and dinner featuring a gourmet potato gratin. Don’t forget about dessert – perhaps a sweet potato pie!
Visit a Local Farmers’ Market: Head to a farmers’ market to pick up fresh, locally grown potatoes. You can find a variety of types that aren’t typically available in supermarkets and get growing tips directly from growers on how to best prepare them (like how to cut potato wedges) or how to glean potatoes.
Potato Art Day: Get creative with potato art by carving potato stamps or creating potato characters with kids. It’s a fun and interactive way to engage with potatoes beyond the kitchen.
Host a French Fry Tasting Event: Gather different types of French fries from local eateries – crinkle-cut, shoestring, curly, and seasoned fries – and host a tasting event to decide which type reigns supreme.
Potato Film Festival: Have a movie marathon featuring films where potatoes have a cameo or are part of the story, such as “The Martian” where the protagonist grows potatoes on Mars. Enjoy with some homemade potato chips or popcorn seasoned with potato seasoning.
Learn About Potato History: Spend some time learning about the history of the potato, from its origins in the Andes Mountains to its impact on European agriculture and cuisine. Share interesting facts and stories with friends and family.
Plant Potato Seeds: If you have a garden, celebrate National Potato Day by planting your own potatoes. It’s a rewarding experience that will give you a personal crop of potatoes to enjoy later in the year.
Potato Photography Contest: Capture artistic shots of potato dishes or raw potatoes and hold a photography contest on social media. It’s a unique way to look at this common vegetable from a new angle.
Donate to a Food Bank: Since potatoes are a staple food for many, consider buying and donating a bag of potatoes to your local food bank. It’s a way to celebrate by helping those in need.

These activities can make National Potato Day both fun and memorable, whether you’re celebrating alone, with friends, or with the entire community.

National Potato Day is more than just a tribute to a beloved vegetable; it’s a day to appreciate the potato’s integral role in historical events, its nutritional benefits, and its cultural significance across the globe. Whether you enjoy them as part of a gourmet meal or a simple comfort dish, potatoes are undoubtedly a global staple worth celebrating. So, on August 19th, take a moment to savor a dish featuring this incredibly versatile and enduringly popular tuber.