Alice in Dairyland: Diggin’ Wisconsin potatoes

Whereas the setting in area for these potatoes wanted to be created, Wisconsin naturally has an appropriate setting for producing high notch spuds. Our cool northern local weather, fast spring warm-up, and sandy soils make Wisconsin a fantastic place to develop potatoes. Understanding that, it’s no shock that Wisconsin ranks third within the nation for potato manufacturing, and first amongst states east of the Mississippi River. This manufacturing is centered in Wisconsin’s central sands area, so that’s the place I headed to expertise potato harvest firsthand.

I traveled to Wysocki Produce Farm to tour their facility this October. Based within the late Fifties by three brothers, Louis, Francis, and Greg Wysocki, Wysocki Household of Firms (WFC) started as a potato farm, which nonetheless exists immediately as Wysocki Produce Farm. The farm continues to be owned and operated by the household, with three generations actively concerned within the enterprise.

There are six styles of potatoes grown in Wisconsin, which can be utilized for baking, mashing, microwaving, grilling, and extra. Every selection has its personal form, shade, texture, and style. Wysocki Household of Firms grows three of these varieties every year, the most typical being the russet potato. These are greatest for mashing, frying, or baked – one among my favourite meals on the Wisconsin State Honest.

Many individuals have no idea that potatoes are literally a dwelling, respiratory organism. Because of this potatoes are greatest saved in a cool, damp place to keep away from sprouting. For dwelling storage, potatoes must be saved in a well-ventilated cool, dry, and darkish place, ideally between 45–55°F. Potatoes shouldn’t be saved at fridge temperatures as a result of this could trigger potato starches to transform to sugars, leading to a sweeter style and extreme darkening throughout cooking. Moreover, potatoes shouldn’t be washed by customers earlier than storing, as dampness promotes early spoilage.

Along with with the ability to meet, discuss with, and be taught from potato producers just like the Wysockis, I’ve additionally been lucky sufficient to work with the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Affiliation (WPVGA) at numerous occasions. From a tour of the Spud Cellular at Farm Expertise Days to studying the secrets and techniques of creating the perfect baked potatoes on the Wisconsin State Honest, it’s at all times enjoyable to speak about (and style) our particular spuds.

Not solely are these spuds scrumptious and versatile, however they’re additionally loaded with vitamins! They’re low in energy, excessive in fiber, and are a fantastic supply of vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin C and antioxidants. I’ve loved discovering new methods to get pleasure from potatoes with recipes from eatwisconsinpotatoes.com.

Whether or not you get pleasure from your potatoes alone or paired with different Wisconsin merchandise, there isn’t a such factor as a unsuitable method to take pleasure in Wisconsin potatoes!

Taylor Schafer is the seventy fifth Alice in Dairyland.