North Carolina's fresh new potatoes can be used Everyday...in Every Way! North Carolina farmers produce early crop or summer harvested potatoes that are great baked, boiled, or fried. Harvest season normally begins the first week of June and lasts through mid August. North Carolina potatoes come to market directly from the field, often to your grocery stores within 48 hours. North Carolina growers produce approximately 16,000 acres of potatoes, mostly in the fertile soils of the coastal plain counties of Camden, Carteret, Currituck, Hyde, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Tyrrell, and Washington. North Carolina produces mainly round white all purpose potatoes. Round Reds, Yukon Golds, and a few Russets are also grown. North Carolina packers and shippers can supply you with a variety of packages and products. North Carolina bulk load shippers supply chip potatoes and potatoes for repack. For more information on the North Carolina Potato Association contact us at: North Carolina Potato Association P.O. Box 2066 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Telephone: 252-331-4773 Fax: 252-331-4775 Did you know... The average American eats 142 pounds of potatoes a year or almost 365 potatoes per person--that's an average of a potato a day.

Potatoes are grown commercially in every state from Florida to Alaska, yielding over 30 billion pounds of potatoes each year.

One serving of potatoes provides 45% of the recommended Daily Value of vitamin C.

The potato is the second most consumed food in the U.S.--trailing only after milk products.

Contrary to the common misconception, potatoes are not high in calories. One medium sized potato contains 110 calories, while a one-cup serving of rice has 225 calories and a cup of pasta has 155.

Many doctors recommend bananas to patients who require a good source of potassium. One potato supplies 610 mg. of potassium while a banana contains 450 mg.

Eat your potatoes with their peels on--a wealth of vitamins; minerals and fiber are found in the peel. The peel also contains the flavonoid, quercitin, and chlorogenic acid--antioxidants that may protect the body against certain types of cancers and heart disease.

One medium potato with skin contains three grams, or twelve percent of the recommended daily intake for fiber. Now you do! How should I store potatoes?

Many people make the mistake of refrigerating potatoes in a plastic bag. Instead, the ideal way to store potatoes is in a cool, dry, dark, well-ventilated space. The ideal storage temperature is 45-50 F. (7.2-10 C.) with a relative humidity of 90 percent. How many potatoes are in a pound?

Three medium potatoes equal about 1 pound. One pound of potatoes will yield 3 cups peeled and sliced; 2 1/4 cups peeled and diced; 2 cups mashed; or 2 cups of french fries. Do I start potatoes cooking in hot or cold water?

Cover scrubbed potatoes with cold water, add salt and bring to a boil. Cook covered until tender. For new potatoes, however, add to boiling salted water and simmer uncovered until tender. What is the best potato for salads and slicing?

Choose low-starch round whites and round reds; or medium-starch long whites when you want sliced potatoes for potato salad and recipes calling for boiled or steamed potatoes. Should I wash potatoes before I store them?

No. Wash potatoes just prior to cooking. Rinse in cool water and scrub well with a vegetable brush. Cut out any sprouting eyes, spots, and bruises.