Potatoes were first cultivated in Peru, over 4000 years ago, and not introduced to Europe until the Spainards brought them in 1550. According to legend, Sir Walter Raleigh introduced the potato to Ireland. Potatoes were first introduced to North America in 1621 at Jamestown Va. and French Fries were first served at the White House under the presidency of Thomas Jefferson.

Classified as a vegetable, potatoes help contribute to the minimum goal of eating five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, recommended by the USDA's Food Guide Pyramid. The National Cancer Institute recommends increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer.

One serving - a 5.3 ounce, medium potato-provides:

• 45% of the Daily Value for vitamin C
• 21% of the Daily Value for potassium
• 10% of the Daily Value for Vitamin B
• 6% of the Daily Value for Phoshorus
• 6% of the Daily Value for Iron
• Three grams of fiber
• Only 100 calories

Futhermore, potatoes are fat and cholesterol free.

Baked potatoes can be enhanced with a wide variety of toppings, limited only by one's imagination. Some of the most popular are:

• Chili with cheese
• Chicken with cream sauce
• Broccoli and cheese
• Shredded Cheese & Bacon
• Salsa
• Ranch Dressing
• Grilled Mushrooms & Onions
• Shredded chicken, beef or pork with BBQ sauce
• Chicken with cream sauce
• Broccoli and cheese

Try some of these Baked Potato Recipes:

• Chili-Topped Potato
• Ham & Cheese Melt
• Athenian Baker
• Baked Potato Reuben
• Slimmed-Down Baked Potato
• Spaghetti-Style Potato

Chili-Topped Potato

Top split baked potato with heated prepared chili. Sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese and chopped green onion. Dollop with sour cream.

Ham & Cheese Melt

Fill split baked potato with strips of fully cooked ham. Add a little Dijon-style mustard, if desired. Sprinkle with shredded or sliced Swiss cheese and microwave until cheese melts.

Athenian Baker

Toss together chopped tomato, sliced olives, finely chopped red onion and oregano; spoon onto split baked potato. Top with crumbled feta cheese and a spoonful of plain yogurt, if desired.

Baked Potato Reuben

Fill split baked potato with strips of deli corned beef and rinsed and drained sauerkraut. Add a little Russian or Thousand Island dressing, if desired. Top with shredded or sliced Swiss cheese and microwave until cheese melts.

Slimmed-Down Baked Potato

Serve baked potatoes rich and creamy, but lower in fat using plain fat free yogurt instead of sour cream.

Spaghetti-Style Potato

Brown ground beef or Italian sausage until cooked; add prepared spaghetti sauce and heat through. Ladle over split baked potato; sprinkle with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.

Some of the nutritional information and recipes on this page provided by http://www.potatohelp.com.
To learn more about the nutritious potato, check out The Power of Potatoes, Positively Nutritious!