Exclusive U.S. Potato Healthy Cooking Demostration

Thank you US Potatoes for the invitation to attend the exclusive healthy cooking demonstrations at The Wembley St Giles Hotel, Penang.

Before starting the cooking workshop, we were briefed a little bit about Potatoes USA.

Potatoes USA are the U.S. national potato marketing and research organization. Based in Denver, Colorado, Potatoes USA represents more than 2,500 potato growers and handlers across the country. Potatoes USA were established in 1971 by a group of potato growers to promote the benefits of eating potatoes. Today, as the largest vegetable commodity board, Potatoes USA is proud to be recognized as an innovator in the produce industry.

Anchored by a strong foundation of market and consumer research and analysis, the Potatoes USA domestic and international potato marketing programs include: advertising, nutrition science, public relations, retail, foodservice marketing, and reputation management. Whether the potato is grown for fresh, frozen, chip, dehydrated or seed use, Potatoes USA is dedicated to positioning potatoes as a nutrition powerhouse—truly, goodness unearthed.

U.S. Fresh Potatoes

There are over 100 varieties of potatoes sold throughout the United States. Each of these varieties fit into one of seven potato type categories:

Russet Potatoes

Yellow Potatoes

Red Potatoes

White Potatoes

Purple Blue Potatoes

Fingerling Potatoes

Petite Potatoes

U.S. Frozen Potatoes

Take a trip down the frozen aisle of any grocery store and you'll find many different frozen potato options, from wedges, shreds, hashbrowns and tots to curly, crinkle and lattice cut fries. These products are quick frozen to lock in the taste and nutrients of fresh potatoes, and maintain a longer shelf life enhancing straight fries are only the beginning. From specialty cuts ideal as a modern ingredient in creative meals—to batter-coated potatoes that extend holding times—to labor-saving products like whole frozen baked potatoes, frozen half shells, and IQF (individually quick frozen) shreds, slices and dices—U.S. processors offer a product to suit your needs.

U.S Dehydrated Potatoes

Contrary to popular belief, dehydrated/instant potatoes found in boxes in the grocery section of the supermarkets are REAL potatoes. Whole potatoes are actually put through an advance process to create premium dehydrated/instant potato products. Thanks to the careful processing techniques used in the U.S., dehydrated/instant potato products retain most of their nutrition. Dehydrated/instant potatoes provide sigmificant amounts of potassium and some B vitamins, as well as smaller amounts of other vitamins and minerals including iron.

In summary, U.S. dehydrated potato products deliver all the flavor, nutrition and versatility of potatoes in a more convenient package.

Then, Ms. Khoo An Jo, who is a pracitising dietitian for more than 15 years, shared some nutrition facts about potatoes.

The Marvel of Potatoes

Potatoes are not just good to eat , but good for health. It is a perfect food for al/ ages and cultures,a weaning food for babies , a great accompaniment and ingredient in all types of cuisine be it bake, roast, braised, pan fried, mashed

With just 110 calories, one medium skin-on potato provides 30% of your daily value of vitamin C and more potassium than a banana.

- More potassium than a banana (15% of daily value)

- Potatoes have absolutely no fat and are sodium-free and cholesterol-free.

An International award winning Chef, who is the currently the President of Penang Chefs Association comes with over 28 years of culinary experiences working in various star rated hotels and restaurants. Acquired strong basic western culinary technique along the way and incorporating the Asian inherits that were in-born.

With this forte, Chef Audee was able to specialize in various culinary cuisines namely European, Chinese, Malay, Nyonya, Thai, and other Asian delicacies. Bearing testimonial to Chef Audee's illustrious career is the string of awards under his belt.

Casey had the chance to be Chef's assistant.