We are so lucky to have our fresh dug potatoes from Stearns. They are so delicious, and this year we have several colors and varieties to make you happy. This is the time of year when I allow myself to go off my low carb diet—it’s SO worth it! Let me tell you a little bit about the varieties we have this year.

The Dark Red Norland is a great early potato with, obviously, beautiful red skin and creamy colored interiors. These are great for steaming or boiling, and make a lovely mashed potato. These are the earliest potatoes we grow and they have already been harvested. You may still have some in your pantry.

Mountain Rose are also red skinned but their flesh is also red! This one is prized by chefs as a very special variety, and is not only pretty but also very high in anti-oxidants. It has a moist but not waxy texture which makes it great for all uses.

Superior potatoes are widely grown because of their early maturity, moderately high yields and minimal skinning, enabling growers to dig and market them quickly. These are round to oblong in shape with buff, sort of flaky skin, with white flesh that makes them wonderful for many uses. These were on the stand two weeks ago, and since they store well, you may still be enjoying some of these beauties.

What can I say about the All Blue? It is a simply stunning specialty potato with deep blue skin and blue flesh—so, so pretty! Their culinary characteristics include a medium dry texture which makes them great for baking, steaming and mashing, but what makes them truly special is their gorgeous color, which stays even when the potato is cooked! They are my absolute favorite and are also great roasted or made into French fries. Yet another great reason to leave the low carb diet behind for a while.

Goldrush is more like a russet than any other of these spuds mentioned above. These are oblong tubers with smooth russeted skin and extremely white flesh, especially delicious for baking and frying.

Potatoes are a very common food item worldwide, grown in about 125 countries and all 50 states in the U.S. The potato is about 80% water and the average American eats about 137 pounds of them per year, with about 50 of the 137 pounds being frozen potatoes—yikes! An 8-ounce portion of potato has only 100 calories, and is an excellent source of carbohydrates. There are two types of carbohydrates: simple carbohydrates, which are found in refined sugar, candy bars, and other processes foods, provide a quick burst of energy that is equally quickly depleted. Complex carbohydrates (as in potatoes) which release their energy slowly, keep the blood sugar level steadier longer and are the body’s best source of energy on a long term basis. Potatoes are high in fiber and they absorb water, which makes one feel satisfied and less hungry. Potatoes are fat free, cholesterol free, sodium free and saturated fat free. They are high in vitamin C and potassium and are a great source of vitamin B6 in addition to fiber. A single serving of a potato provide 40% of the daily value needed of vitamin C and 20% of the potassium needed for your body each day. All of the above nutritional info goes out the window, of course, once you add the salt and the butter. It sounds like potato heaven to me!