Types Of Potatoes – Origin, Preparation and Uses

Potatoes are healthy foods and very indicated in the diets of athletes. However, this vegetable can also be used in other functions.

First, potatoes are tubers originating in the Andes, the Chilean Islands and Peru. However, this very carbohydrate-rich food only arrived in Europe in the 16th century. In addition, it is currently one of the most consumed vegetables in South and North America. This is because of the famous French fries in fast-food chains. In addition to carbohydrates, the vegetable is rich in mineral salts, vitamins C and still has smaller amounts of vitamin B.

However, as it is a food with great yield and easy adaptability, it started to be cultivated worldwide.

In summary, the countries responsible for the largest potato production are Germany, China, the United States, India and Poland. In fact, they can be found in different colors, sizes, peels and pulps. In addition, they can be consumed in different ways.

Types of potatoes

Below we have listed the various types of potatoes and their nutritional components;

English potato

It is the most common in Brazil. It has low fat and has vitamins B and C in its composition. In addition, it also contains starch, calcium, iron, phosphorus and potassium.

Despite having an average of 70 calories, this potato is the most fattening. That’s because it has a high glycemic index and people tend to make it fried or cooked.

Sweet potato

This potato is purple on the outside and white on the inside. It is the most sought after by athletes because it is digested quickly, so it does not turn into glucose instantly like the others.

Sweet potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, have twice the fiber compared to an ordinary potato. In addition, they have vitamins A, C and, in some cases B. They are also antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory action.

Potato Baroa

The baroa has anti-inflammatory action and helps a lot in digestion. In fact, cassava has vitamins A, B and C, and phosphorus.

It is ideal for cooking, in soups and also as a puree. Finally, as its starch is easy to digest, it is a great food for children.

Asterix Potato

This potato is similar to English, however, its skin is reddish and thick. Among its nutrients are vitamin C, dietary fiber and minerals.

In addition, these potatoes are great for mashed and gnocchi. They are also delicious fries and it is not necessary to remove their shell, because it is composed more of starch than of water.

Yacon potato

Visually similar to sweet potatoes, yacon is sweet and has low calories. In fact, the Japanese love this vegetable. It is also known as diet potato.

The yacon potato can be included in the salad in a raw way, just cut it into thin pieces. In addition, the leaves of the vegetable also help in the treatment against diabetes and cholesterol.

Baraka Potato

These potatoes that appear to be dirty are of Dutch origin. Because they have a firmer and drier pulp it is ideal for frying. However, the baraka, which has a yellow pulp, can be prepared in any way.

Important tips for preparing potatoes

First of all it is very important to mention that potatoes should not be eaten while they are still greenish or germinating. Even though they are great for a diet, when they are that way, potatoes can intoxicate those who eat them.

Underneath the skin that are the mineral salts of the potatoes. So, if you are going to peel them, remove a very thin layer. In fact, the younger and raw they are, the easier it is to do this job. Just leave them for a short time in the boiling water and then skin off.

To conserve raw and peeled potatoes just place them in a bowl with water and a few drops of vinegar. Then leave in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 days. Old potatoes need to stay in cold water. On the other hand, the fresh ones must be placed in boiling water. Gold tip: a little oil in the water prevents it from overflowing.

If you cook colored potatoes over medium heat, they will be crispy because of the starch. In fact, avoid using too much oil to keep the potato from softening. It only penetrates better when the vegetable is still raw. Another tip is to cover the potatoes with a cloth after they are cooked in salted water. The steam will keep them warm and dry.

Use of potatoes other than food

Anyone who believes that potatoes serve only to feed us is very wrong. Surprisingly, the vegetable has several other functions, from skin treatments to home care.

Headache

Rub your temples with potato slices in a circular motion. If this is done on a regular basis, you will be able to experience pain relief.

Excess salt remover

Do you apply too much of salt in your food? While the pot is still on the fire, add a potatoe next to the food. It will help by absorbing excess salt.

Acne Treatment

Rub a slice of the raw vegetable on your spines. It can also be used on blemishes and other imperfections. Allow the juice of the food to come into contact with the skin, wait a few moments and then wash.

Glue removal

Rub a slice of raw potato in your hands then you can wash it off. Because of its gum, the vegetable softens the skin and ultimately facilitates the removal of any glue and adhesive residues.

Sunburn

Surprisingly or not, the potato and its peel are natural remedies against sunburn. Just apply them to your skin and wait a few moments. Soon you will feel relief and the red in the skin will fade.

Cutlery cleaning

Use its cooking water (unsalted) to clean and polish your cutlery. After removing the potatoes from the water, place the cutlery you want to clean in the warm water for an hour and then dry.

Warts

Rubbing a piece of the vegetable on warts can help and speed up their disappearance. This is because of vitamin C and the potassium found in food.

Anti-aging

This time you will not use the potato itself, but the water you extracted after cooking. After cooling, use it to clean your face.

Read Also: Difference Between Fruits and Vegetables

Reuse

Use potato scraps as fertilizer for your plants. In addition to being compostable, the amount of garbage discarded will be less.

Rust cleaning

In summary, the potato helps in removing the oxidation that rust causes in tools. That is, to clean them, just rub raw potatoes on them and then on wood ashes.

Insomnia

In summary, consuming the cooked vegetable for dinner can help with a night’s sleep. This is because the food helps to balance the acidity in the stomach.

Shoe cleaning

Finally, to help clean shoes that are made of rubber soles and waterproof materials, just use the raw potato. First, use a slice to clean the dirtiest parts. Then use a brush or cloth to finish.