Tater Talk July 2024

JUly 2024

Sizzlin’ Summer

Jeesh, can it get any hotter?? Keep the house cool and comfortable and leave the sizzling to the grill outside. Besides...who ever said no to BBQ? This Idaho Potato and Salmon Shish Kabob recipe is tasty and is as simple to make as it sounds - two heart-health favorites marinated and skewered with fresh veggies. Or, if you already have a preferred protein try Campfire Potatoes (camping optional). Yukon Golds are diced and tossed with Ranch seasoning, onions, butter bacon and cheese. It's cooked in a foil pack so cleaning up is easy-peasy!
Visit our grilling recipe collection and get ready to dig in at your next BBQ!

News

Potato Festival Season is Upon Us!!

Looking for a potato party in Idaho? Of course of you are! Not just one, or two, but three spudtacular events will be celebrating the Famous Idaho® potato this Summer and Fall. August 16 kicks off a two day celebration of The Greater Tater Tot Festival held at Sandy Downs in Idaho Falls with lots of games and activities for the whole family and, you guessed it, free tater tots! The second annual Potato Days is back at Kleiner Park in Meridian September 20-22 for a 3-day mashup of carnival fun, games, food trucks and the Big Idaho® Potato Truck! If you're on the eastern side of the state September 21, be sure to visit Shelley Spud Day, a 97-year tradition, loaded with tons of spud activities like French fry eating contests, potato sack races, food trucks and more!

Meet the Farmers Who Grow America’s Favorite Vegetable

The Washington Post recently published a study using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to reveal which jobs offered the greatest satisfaction. Farmers and foresters topped the list, and we were not surprised! Meet Julie Van Orden, a third-generation potato farmer located in Pingree, ID. Julie, her husband and sons proudly work together to “supply the world with the best potatoes.” Julie’s favorite way to eat an Idaho potato is fresh cut French fries!

Navigate to the Thank A Farmer section of the website to learn more about our family of farmers.

Idaho® Potato Panzanella

Traditional panzanella salad originates in Tuscany and Umbria and consists of chopped salad, soaked stale bread, onions and tomatoes. It often includes cucumbers, sometimes basil and is dressed with olive oil and vinegar. In Idaho we add deep-fried potato cubes (you can grill ‘em, too!) and add texture, a little crunch and punch of important vitamins and minerals!

Head to the Idaho Potato YouTube channel for more sunny time favorites!

Ask Dr. Potato

Q: What is the Biggest Mistake Home Chefs Make When Grilling Potatoes?

A: It still takes a long time to bake potatoes in an outdoor setting. Many mistakenly place potatoes directly on the main grill surface. The potatoes will brown and completely dry out before ever cooking. Use the upper shelf of the BBQ grill and start them way before the steaks or corn or baked beans.