Solanum tuberosum

Solanum tuberosum, a fancy name for the humble potato. How many times have I reached for the humble tuber to bake and place on my plate to enjoy, and in the enjoyment, to feel comfort? They are too many to count. Solanum is derived from a Latin word meaning "soothing" which is possibly why potatoes have been placed in the long list of “comfort” foods (The Solanaceae family also include tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers).

I have been given a lot of freshly dug potatoes by a dear friend who has spent years enriching the soil of his organic garden. These potatoes that I have been gifted with are rich in minerals, particularly chromium. The potato has been given a “bad” reputation as a major source contributing to excess weight. This is, to my mind, totally backwards. Potatoes that are grown in mineral rich and balanced soil offer same to our bodies.

Let’s take one thing potatoes are rich in: chromium (if we eat the skin). When we are lacking in chromium the following symptoms can possibly be attributed to this mineral deficiency:
Over weight
Increased cholesterol
Increased triglycerides
Heart disease
Psoriasis
Glaucoma
Hypoglycemia
Type 2 diabetes

Just think what eating some new potatoes could do for us!

Chromium is also found in raw white onion, romaine lettuce and tomatoes. We know that vitamin C increases the absorption of chromium and potatoes have good vitamin C in them. I am reminded of a summer dish that was a constant in our household: sliced raw onion, tomatoes, and possibly cucumber soaking in malt vinegar. This was a side dish to new potatoes and a green salad. Just thinking about it now has gastric juices stimulated! This is a very detoxifying dish, very alkalizing and just delicious. It is also a perfect example of eating in season and how Nature compliments. But I digress somewhat here.

Basically, eat potatoes and allow the mind and the body to be fed. It is a simple food that offers much. I feel that we ignore the benefit and simplicity of the Solanum tuberosum by submerging it under heavy creams and cheeses where it cannot do its “job” effectively in our body. Eat in balance and harmony with Nature and Earth and we will be in balance and harmony.
Bon appetite! I toast the Solanum tuberosum!