Appreciating the Cheap and Cheerful Potato

The potato is one of the most common, basic and cheap food items available at the farmer's market, and it also happens to be one of the most versatile too.

From soups to salads and more, potatoes are used generously in American cooking and are the world's fourth largest food crop, following wheat, rice, and corn.

According to the Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association, a small amount of 'resistant starch' in potatoes provides nutritional benefits similar to dietary fibers, which protects against colon cancer, improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and lowers cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations.

That myth about "empty calories"? Only half true. If you keep the skin on, potatoes are full of potassium, fiber, vitamin C and vitamin B6, according to PotatoGoodness.com.

Recipes using Potatoes

Broccoli and Potato Soup
Broccoli and Potato Soup
Classic Potato Latkes
Colcannon
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Crispy Potato Salad w/ Wilted Chard
Curried White and Sweet Potato Pancakes
Fall Vegetable Soup
Indian-style Cauliflower and Potatoes (Aloo Gobhi)
Kabocha and Butternut Squash Soup
Moroccan Winter Stew with Butternut Squash
Pan-fried Potatoes and Butternut Squash
Patatas Bravas
Portuguese Kale Soup
Potato and Spring Onion Soup
Potato Leek Soup
Provencal Potato Salad
Red, White and Blue Potato Salad
Red, White and Blue Potato Salad
Red, White and Blue Potato Salad
Root Vegetable Gratin
Scalloped Potatoes with Oyster Mushrooms
Spanish Tortilla
Traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage

What's in Season at the farmers' market in December

Fruit: Apples, citrus (oranges, grapes, grapefruit, lemons, tangerines), kiwifruit, pomegranates.

Vegetables: Artichokes, beets, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, collards, garlic, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, radishes, spinach, winter squash.

Concord Farmers' Market

Todos Santos Plaza, Willow Pass & Grant Street

What's your favorite winter meal? Share recipes in the comments below. Looking for gift ideas? Try creating a gift basket from farmer's market goodies.