Treat Yourself to Potatoes: The Surprising Spud

At Penobscot McCrum, we are big believers in the nutritional benefits of baked potatoes. After all, baked potatoes are our meat and…potatoes.

We are one of America’s largest suppliers of baked potato specialty products. From our wedges and skins to potato cakes and twice-baked potatoes, every frozen specialty begins with 100% Maine potato.

Potatoes are power-packed veggies

Baked potatoes are not only delicious, they are also packed with nutrients we need more of in our diets. For example, a medium baked potato with skin provides:

• Potassium – A medium baked potato provides 21% of the recommended daily allowance of this mineral that is vital to maintaining healthy blood pressure levels – more than bananas!
• Vitamin C – Baked potatoes are a good source of this antioxidant vitamin, which has many critical functions in the body, including strengthening the immune system and fighting disease.
• Vitamin B6 – Baked potatoes are rich in this B vitamin, which is essential to the formation of new cells in the body and is needed for a healthy nervous system and cardio-vascular system.
• Fiber – Baked potatoes–with skins–are a good source of dietary fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and protects against cancer, heart disease and other chronic diseases
• And more – Baked potatoes provide manganese, folate, niacin, phosphorous, copper, iron, and a wide range of phytonutrients, which contribute to the antioxidant activity in potatoes.

All of this for just about 110 calories, with no fat, cholesterol or sodium. No wonder potatoes are America’s favorite vegetable.

Spud variations

In Maine, even those of us who love our baked potatoes occasionally find other ways to enjoy spuds.

• Maine Potato Donuts: Not long ago, a local Portland, Maine, entrepreneur made national news with her revival of a traditional Maine favorite, the Maine potato donut. Leigh Kellis, owner of The Holy Donut, produces 12-14 different flavors of donuts every day, from Maple Glazed to Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, using all-natural ingredients and 100% Maine potatoes. CNN caught on to the raging demand for this iconic Maine treat and featured the Holy Donut in an Eatocracy blog post. You can make your own Maine potato donuts at home with this recipe from the Maine Potato Board.
• Maine Potato Needhams. Legend has it that this traditional Maine candy was named for a popular 19^th century minister, Rev. Needham, who may have used the candies to lure folks into church on Sundays. People are always surprised to learn that the secret ingredient in these sweets is potato! You can find a great recipe for Needhams posted on The Way to His Heart, a food blog authored by Maeghan, who says Maine potatoes have a great consistency for Needhams.
• Maine Potato Spirits. Another Maine company that has discovered the versatility of the Maine potato is Maine Distilleries, makers of Cold River Classic Vodka, Blueberry Vodka and Traditional Gin––all produced from Maine potatoes. No home distilling recipe for this one, however!

When you live, farm and manufacture in one of America’s leading potato-producing states––as we do at Penobscot McCrum––you learn to appreciate the many delicious uses of potatoes. Incredibly nutritious, amazingly versatile––Maine potatoes are simply spud-tacular.