Alice in Dairyland promotes potatoes

• Potato industry honored

Wisconsin has declared February National Potato Lover's month. Stock photo

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MADISON -- A press release from the state’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection announces that February isn’t just about sweethearts, chocolates and flowers -- it is also about potatoes.

Katie Wirkus, the 64th Alice in Dairyland of the DATCP and the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association has named February National Potato Lover’s Month.

The average American eats 126 pounds of potatoes each year, so promoters see it as a good thing that Wisconsin grew over 2.2 billion pounds of potatoes last year. The state ranks third in the nation for potato production.

The release says one medium-sized potato has 110 calories and is free of fat, cholesterol, sodium and gluten. It also provides 45 percent of the recommended amount of daily Vitamin C.

“The nutrient delivery provided by potatoes is one of the best food values available to consumers,” stated Duane Maatz, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association. “The potato contains more potassium than a banana as well as fiber and Vitamin C. You can even eat the tasty wrapper.”

According to the University of Wisconsin Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, potatoes in Wisconsin contribute a farm value of nearly $350 million and over 2,700 jobs to the Wisconsin economy.

“Potatoes are healthy for us to eat and healthy for Wisconsin’s economy,” said Katie Wirkus, 64th Alice in Dairyland. “Buying Wisconsin potatoes helps support the local producers while keeping the money in our local communities and economies.”

Learn more about Wisconsin potatoes and find tasty recipes at www.eatwisconsinpotatoes.com.

Tags: food, wisconsin, business