You cannot go wrong with food that is naturally colorful and beautiful, right! Sure potatoes are always good, but purple potatoes just have all the fun, which is why they are the featured ingredient on my blog right now!
White potatoes have received a bad rap lately, especially if you are in the food and nutrition policy world. And honestly, I can understand why. Not that I want to get too political here, but french fries (and ketchup, while we are pointing fingers) should really not count as a vegetable in school lunches. However, white potatoes (and purple ones too) can certainly be consumed in moderation, not to mention they do have many nutritional benefits.
Four Facts on (Purple) Potato Nutrition:
- All potatoes are high in potassium, which is important for regulating blood pressure (think the sodium potassium pump mechanism you learned about in high school).
- Purple potatoes get their purple color from the addition of antioxidants, these antioxidants help to even further regulate blood pressure.
- Purple potatoes contain the antioxidant anthocyanin. Anthocyanins may help prevent certain cancers, reduce the risk of heart disease and Parkinson’s disease.
- Potatoes are naturally sodium and cholesterol free.
Storage: Store potatoes in a cool, well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight. If you do store potatoes in the fridge, let the potato warm gradually to room temperature before cooking.
