DENVER, CO - Demand for potatoes has reached an unprecedented high as of late. In turn, Potatoes USA has released a new potato usage guide that retailers can leverage to drive sales in the category long-term. Heidi Alsum Randall, a potato farmer from Wisconsin, provided the following thoughts to reinforce this need:

“We know many people are spending more time in their homes right now, looking for ways to prepare easy and nutritious meals for themselves and their families,” Randall said. “We are hearing from grocery retailers that people are stocking up on potatoes. That makes perfect sense to us as potatoes are a nutrient-dense vegetable with a long shelf-life. Potato farmers, packers, and processors are doing what it takes to keep potatoes supplied to grocery stores and restaurants around the country. Now more than ever, we are committed to our life’s work—raising food for families here and around the world.”

According to a press release, America’s potato farmers have detailed tips and tricks for shoppers on how to purchase, store, and prepare potatoes:

Buying Potatoes

• As consumers are stocking up, imperfect potatoes are just as good. If cuts, bruises, or discoloration are present, just cut these off before cooking
• Consumers can also find dehydrated and frozen potatoes in the center of the store and they require minimal preparation
• Also available are freshly cut and ready-to-eat products in the deli and prepared foods aisles
• And don’t forget the potato chips, as everyone could use a bit of joy

Storage and Handling of Fresh Potatoes

• Advise shoppers not to refrigerate or freeze fresh potatoes before cooking
• Should be stored in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place, avoiding high temperatures such as below sinks or next to appliances
• Consumers should be sure air can reach the potatoes, stored either loose, in plastic, or in paper bags with holes
• Potatoes shouldn't be washed before storing as dampness will lead to early spoilage
• Potatoes should be checked regularly, removing any that show signs of spoilage as this will spread to the others
• If potatoes begin to sprout, consumers can still cook them. Just remove the sprout and cut away any green areas
• Of course, consumers can also use sprouted potatoes as a fun kid activity by placing them in a container of water with the sprouts in the air and watching them grow

Cooking Potatoes

• Potatoes can be baked, boiled, roasted, mashed, fried, air fried (here is a chance to use that new appliance from the holidays), microwaved, and grilled

As potatoes can be so incredibly versatile in the kitchen, Potatoes USA detailed several cross-merchandising opportunities as well.

Popular dishes include baked potatoes, au gratin, oven-roasted potatoes, and mashed potatoes, so be sure to set up corresponding displays that feature relevant ingredients.

For more of the unique ways you can position your produce department for increased sales, keep clicking back to ANUK.

Potatoes USA