Keep Potatoes Fresher Longer

  By Family Features

Potatoes are a favorite food for just about everyone. They are economical, low in calories, nutritious and versatile – they can be prepared in a variety of ways. But have you noticed potatoes can often turn green causing an unpleasant, bitter taste and unappetizing appearance?

In fact, potatoes lose their freshness with increased exposure to light. This problem, called “greening,” causes a bitter taste.  Yellow potatoes are the most vulnerable type. The fact is, you probably throw away about 15 percent of the potatoes you buy every year because of this spoilage – and that’s money taken right out of your pocketbook. But now, help is one step closer.

MountainKing, a well-known potato grower and producer of premium potatoes, recently introduced the Flavor Fresh™ Bag to the market to help protect potatoes.  This innovative, high-tech package provides a storage solution to prevent greening, both at stores and at home.   

Flavor Fresh™ Bags use an opaque white plastic cover on the top of the bag to keep light out.  On the reverse side of the bag, a mesh window allows air to circulate around the potatoes.  This way, light is kept out while prolonging freshness, protecting taste and reducing potato shrinkage.   

 “The opaque film side of the bag will essentially exclude light from reaching the potatoes, thus reducing, if not eliminating, greening,” said Robert E. Thornton, professor emeritus at Washington State University . “The mesh and vented plastic portion of the bag provide for air movement around the potatoes to prevent moisture accumulation on the potatoes (which causes shrinkage). Both of these features result in extending the shelf life of the potato and a better tasting potato.”  

To locate a store near you that carries MountainKing Potatoes in Flavor Fresh™ Bags, please visit:  www.MountainKingPotatoes.com


Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes


Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Servings: 8 to 10

3 pounds MountainKing Butter Gold Potatoes, peeled (about 6)

6 whole garlic cloves, peeled

3/4 cup to 1 cup half-and-half

3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

Salt to taste

Dash white pepper

Dash nutmeg

Cut potatoes in quarters. Cook potatoes and garlic in boiling, lightly salted water until a fork pierces them easily (about 20 to 25 minutes).

Gently heat half-and-half in a small saucepan or in the microwave.

Drain potatoes and garlic in a colander; return to pot. Add 3/4 cup warm half-and-half to potatoes and garlic. Mash thoroughly. (Add remaining 1/4 cup of half-and-half if the mixture seems too dry).

Add Parmesan cheese and mix thoroughly. Season to taste with salt, white pepper and nutmeg.

Serve immediately.

Courtesy of Family Features