Washington State grows over 23% of all the potato production in the United State. The climatic conditions, rich volcanic soil, abundant water and long growing season result in eastern Washington State producing the highest yield per acre of potatoes in the world.
- On average, Americans eat 110 lbs of patotoes per year.
- 99% of Washington's potato farms are family owned.
- Potatoes grow underground, but are actually swollen stems, not roots.
- The potato skin changes its chemical structure after it is harvested. The outer layers thicken to protect the flesh inside.
- When choosing potatoes, be sure they are firm, smooth, and the color they are supposed to be. Softness, a green tinge, or wrinkly skin may indicate a potato that is past its prime.
- The potato is about 80% water and 20% solids.
- Most of the nutrients are contained right below the skin, so avoid peeling when possible.
- You need 4 lbs of potatoes to make a pound of potato chips.
Washington Harvest Potato Poster
Click to download the full-size PDF.
The poster is designed to be printed at either 11" x 17" or 2' x 3'.
Highlight Washington-grown potatoes served in your program with this beautiful poster! The poster provides nutrition facts under "THRIVE", agriculture information under "GROW", and tips for preparation, cooking, and fun facts, etc. under "TASTE".
Special thanks to Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Department of Agriculture for sharing their poster file template, from which many of the food facts were adapted, to Franklin Pierce School Farm for helping us update and add new facts for Washington State, and to Kira Olsen at Olsen Farms for the bulk potato photo.
Videos with activities:
- Virtual Farm Circle potatoes tour with videos covering planting, salmon conservation, harvesting, storing potatoes, and more - from the Whatcom Family Farmers. Also use the accompanyingā€‹:
Resources, flyers and handouts:
- School Nutrition Resource Guide [PDF] with preparation and menu ideas, nutrition and production facts, and more - from Washington State Potato Commission
- Fresh from the Farm Potatoes brochure [PDF] with recipes, nutrition facts, and buying tips for families - from WSU SNAP-Ed
- Educator flyer [PDF] with student activities, reading list, facts and other info - from Seattle Public Schools and Public Health King County
- Spud syllabus [English - Spanish] with selection, preparation, grading, and other potato usage info you can use in the classroom - from Washington State Potato Commission
- Harvest of the Month handout [PDF] with activities, nutrition facts, reading list, and more - from Whatcom Farm to School
Other posters:
- Harvest of the Month Poster template [PPT] for potatoes, with space to fill in farm name - from WSDA Farm to School
- Featured item poster [PDF] with space to fill in menu item and farm name - from Whatcom Farm to School
Images, presentations and signs:
- Item Image for Harvest of the Month bulletin board - from Seattle Public Schools and Public Health King County
- Powerpoint presentation [PPT] with potato facts - from Whatcom Farm to School
- Potato sign [PDF] for Harvest of the Month banner - from WSU Pierce County Extension SNAP-Ed
