New potatoes

It’s new potato season!!!!

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New potatoes
Many people have fond memories of new potatoes… it may be having new potatoes for  Christmas day lunch or even digging up your own homegrown new potatoes! But for everyone in New Zealand new potatoes signal the start of warmer weather.

A “new” potato is ‘a young potato pulled out of the ground before it gets to full size’. New potatoes are also known for holding their shape well once cooked and cut.

Like all varities of potatoes, new pototaes are nutrient rich and they even contain over 10 percent of the recommended dietary intake of several B vitamins and also contain potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral that supports healthy muscle function. It is also needed for normal functioning of the nervous system and contributes to healthy growth and development in children.

A healthy body requires a daily source of vitamin C and potatoes provide 40 percent of the recommended dietary intake. This vitamin contributes to a healthy immune system, helps fight fatigue and is an antioxidant that may protect against some lifestyle diseases. The dietary fibre content of potatoes, particularly in the skin, is important to aid healthy digestion. However new potatoes have a softer skin than other varieties and it can easily be flicked off with your fingers.

New potatoes don’t need to be peeled; simply rinse to remove any dirt and cook whole. Store new potatoes in a cool, dark and well-ventilated place. They should be used within a few days of purchase.