I wrote this for CT Health Investigative Team, about the almighty potato cartel.
Bet you didn’t know there was one, didya?
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A blog companion to the book by Susan Campbell
I wrote this for CT Health Investigative Team, about the almighty potato cartel.
Bet you didn’t know there was one, didya?
Dating Jesus 
There’s nothing inherently unhealthy about a baked white potato, and home made french fries are far superior to fast food or frozen fries. But white potatoes are part of the nightshade family (tomatoes, eggplant, etc.) even though they don’t look it. They develop a toxin, which is the green color just under the peel, if not stored properly. Or even if stored properly, I’m not sure. Anyway, I don’t store potatoes any more, after I made a guest sick by using unpeeled potatoes in a dinner I cooked.
Did I misunderstand? Were processed potatoes excluded and now they are included? Or does it only apply to unprocessed potatoes?
White potatoes — processed and un- — have never been included, but now the lobby has pushed so that they will be, needlessly. I did not know that about the nightshade family membership.
That is why they cover the potatoes up with blankets at night in the grocery store. Also I think why the bag of potatoes I bought recently has a black side to the bag. I think there is something about the light getting on them that makes them turn green and dangerous.
I am so discouraged by the way decisions are made in government – by lobbyist dollars and pressure instead of science and what is good for our population.
I am learning a lot about potatoes, and I thought I learned a lot to write the thing.
This is a really ignorant way to make decisions, and it seems to be the norm. I hope I’m just being cranky about this, but why else include potatoes in diets already lousy with them? I find it sad and weird that lobbyists tried to frame their message as a protection of the potato. They all but raised a flag for it, fer cryin’ out loud.
Fluorescent lighting used by most businesses can increase the likelihood of solanine concentration. (All potatoes contain solanine…the nightshade toxin…to some degree.) The black side to the bag is commonly used with potatoes that are shipped far from where they were harvested.
I love potatoes. Russets. Yukons. Baby Reds. But I shy away from fast food fries because…they’re not really french fried, (double frying)…and are little more than potato flavored grease.
I have found some decent…regional… frozen brands and even an “instant” brand that taste good. But fresh as possible is the best way to go. Living next door to the Potato State makes that easy most of the time.
As the economy continues to swirl The Bowl, I think the Potato Lobby is anxious to secure as much of the public assistance market-share as possible. Getting WIC approval might also increase sales to public programs like school lunches/breakfasts and such.
I have come to the conclusion that there is a fairly large block in charge in Washington that does not trust science, or experts, or anyone highly educated. Sure, science can produce changing conclusions as we discover more. That’s why we employ those folks in Washington – to change law to accommodate change in views and knowledge, though, right? Unfortunately, too many trust the good ol’ boy network instead, and it does not serve us well.
Personally, I’ve got nothing against whole food potatoes, if consumed in moderation. But, if they become the food that fills the belly on a regular basis, that’s a problem. And processed? Fer git about it! (Although I do enjoy a few fries occasionally. I can’t lie.)
I have found a healthier substitution for mashed potatoes. I think it IS better than mashed potatoes. Sorry “Big Potato”!:
Better Than Mashed Potatoes (from the Wheat Belly Cookbook)
Steam 1 lg head of cauliflower cut in florets until soft
drain and blend until smooth with:
2 oz cream cheese (can use low fat)
2 T butter (I use an olive oil/butter combo)
1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste – may not need that much)
I add ground pepper, too. Enjoy!