For more than 40 years, Woody’s Bar-B-Q has been honored to be a favorite destination among “meat and potato” lovers. A great accompaniment to our extensive menu of slow-smoked meats, mesquite grilled chicken, burgers, and more, potatoes play a starring role on our list of sides – available as a baked potato, sweet potato, crinkle-cut french fries, and mashed potatoes. What better time than National Potato Month to shine the spotlight on this versatile food? You already know that potatoes are delicious, but did you know these seven spectacular facts about spuds…?
- They’re Not Called French Fries in France – According to the History Cooperative, the first reference to “fried potatoes” was found in a French book published in 1775. Thus, the name! While Americans refer to them as “French fries,” people in France call them pomme de terre frites – which loosely translates to “fried apple of the earth” or – more succinctly – “fried potato.” In the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, and New Zealand, French fries are often called “chips.”
- Potatoes Pack a Nutritional Punch – Packed with vitamins and minerals, potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamins C and B6, Potassium, Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Niacin, and Folate. Most of that nutritional content is found in the potato’s skin, making baked potatoes one of the healthiest preparations.
- Potatoes are Rich in Antioxidants – Antioxidants help our bodies fight off free radicals, which increase the risk of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. It is believed that potatoes provide your body with free radical-neutralizing flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids.
- Potatoes Contain Resistant Starch – While potatoes may get a bad rap as a “starchy food,” they actually contain resistant starch, which may help insulin resistance to better control blood sugar levels and improve digestive health – reducing inflammation and risks of colon cancer.
- Potatoes are Gluten Free – A family of proteins found in grains like spelt, wheat, barley, and rye, gluten has a negative impact on people suffering from Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivity. Because potatoes are naturally grain-free, filling, and versatile, they can be an excellent choice for anyone pursuing a gluten-free diet.
- Potatoes are Vegetables – While in the South, macaroni and cheese is considered a “vegetable” by many, it’s not exactly a scientific fact. However, science IS in the potato’s favor. A potato is a tuberous vegetable – also known as a stem tuber – that grows underground. They are 80% water and 20% solid.
- Potatoes are Also Called Spuds – Dating back to the Mid-19th century, legend holds that potatoes gained their nickname “spud” from the sharp, narrow spades of the same name used to dig them up out of the ground.
Woody’s Bar-B-Q invites you to pair your favorite foods on our menu with a different variation of our take on potatoes. Our Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich combines beautifully with our crinkle-cut fries. Our Classic Bar-B-Q Turkey Dinner is delicious with a sweet potato. Our Signature Baby Back Ribs are great with a loaded baked potato. And our mashed potatoes and gravy are a terrific enhancement to our Bar-B-Q Chicken. Come celebrate National Potato Month with Woody’s Bar-B-Q, and let us know your favorite potato combination! To view our full menu and list of locations, visit www.Woodys.com.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-potatoes
KB 8/30/23
