At McCormack Potatoes we have an extensive supplier network ensuring consistent supply throughout the year. Our growers observe best practice for the environment and wildlife whilst producing the highest quality potatoes from field to fork.
Potato Information
- Potatoes are naturally fat and cholesterol free
- Potassium – Potatoes pack in 10 times more than pasta, which helps control blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Vitamin C – One medium sized Jacket Potato contains almost half of the recommended daily amount (RDA)
- Boiled potatoes contain 33% fewer calories and 57% less fat than boiled pasta, and 49% fewer calories and 77% less fat than boiled white rice.
Naturally fat-free, a source of fibre, potassium, salt free, low in sugar and naturally saturated-fat free!
When carefully cooked, they’re also a great natural source of energy. The main mineral found in potatoes is potassium, which has several important functions, including:
- Contributing to normal muscle function
- Contributing to normal functioning of the nervous system
- Contributing to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.
When they are baked, they are also a source of thiamin (vitamin B1).
National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) data shows that on average potatoes currently make significant contributions to the nation’s daily intake of many vital nutrients, namely:
- 14% of Vitamin B6
- 15% of potassium
- 14% of Vitamin C
- 12% of thiamin (Vitamin B1)
- 10% of folate
Children get more Vitamin C, B1, B6, folate, iron, magnesium and potassium from the contribution potatoes make to their diet than from so called superfoods like beetroot, bananas, nuts, broccoli and avocado.
There is a common misconception that potatoes take a long time to prepare and cook, resulting in people switching to other starchy carbohydrates such as pasta or rice. This is especially true amongst the younger generation so they, and their children, are missing out on many of the vital nutrients contained in potatoes. For example a medium jacket potato provides one third of the NRV of Vitamin C compared with 180g of easy cook white rice, boiled, or a 220g portion of white spaghetti, which don’t contain any.
There are plenty of recipe ideas for tasty, quick meals for all the family on the site, which are sure to provide inspiration. Having a wide variety of foods in the diet is important, as no single food can provide us with all the nutrients we need to stay healthy. Good nutrition is essential for normal growth and development, maintaining health and reducing the risk of developing certain diseases, now and in the future.
Source 2016: Irish Potatoe Federation: http://www.potato.ie
