National Potato Day🥔

About National Potato Day

How long until National Potato Day?
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Dates of National Potato Day
2026 Various Aug 19 USAWed, Aug 19Observances Holiday United KingdomWed, Aug 19Observances Holiday 2025 Various Aug 19 USATue, Aug 19Observances Holiday United KingdomTue, Aug 19Observances Holiday 2024 Various Aug 19 USAMon, Aug 19Observances Holiday United KingdomMon, Aug 19Observances Holiday 2023 Various Aug 19 USASat, Aug 19Observances Holiday United KingdomSat, Aug 19Observances Holiday 2022 Various Aug 19 USAFri, Aug 19Observances Holiday United KingdomFri, Aug 19Observances Holiday
Summary
Find out the dates, history and traditions of National Potato Day
Where is National Potato Day observed in 2026?
USAAug 19 United KingdomAug 19

Potatoes are a very important crop worldwide, they are widely cultivated as a staple food in many countries, including in the Andean region of South America, in the mountains of Europe, and in the colder regions of North America and Asia.

Potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, they are also low in fat and calories. This makes them a very nutritious food that can play an important role in meeting the dietary needs of many people around the world.

Potatoes also play an important role in global food security, as they are a reliable crop that can grow well in a variety of different climates and soil types. They also have a relatively short growing cycle, which makes them well suited for use in areas where other crops may not grow as well.

Potatoes are also relatively easy to store, so they can be kept for long periods of time, allowing people to have a reliable source of food throughout the year.

In addition to the food uses, Potatoes are also used for the production of potato starch, potato chips, and alcoholic beverages like Vodka.

Overall, potatoes are an incredibly important crop, both in terms of nutrition and food security, and their versatility makes them valuable in many different ways.

Fifteen Facts about Potatoes

1. A Global Staple: The potato is the third most important food crop in the world, after rice and wheat. More than a billion people consume potatoes annually.

2. Origin Story: Potatoes originated in the Andes mountains of South America, in what is now Peru and Bolivia. They were first domesticated by indigenous people over 7,000 years ago.

3. Thousands of Varieties: There are over 4,000 different varieties of potatoes grown worldwide. In the United States alone, there are more than 200 varieties sold. They come in a wide range of colors, including blue, pink, red, yellow, and brown.

4. Not a Root Vegetable: Although they grow underground, potatoes are not roots. They are tubers, which are the swollen, underground stems of the potato plant.

5. Grown in Space: In 1995, potatoes became the first vegetable to be grown in space. NASA and the University of Wisconsin collaborated on an experiment to test the feasibility of growing food for astronauts on long space voyages.

6. Nutritional Powerhouse: A single medium-sized potato contains about half of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C, which is more than an apple and an orange combined. They are also a great source of potassium, B vitamins, and fiber.

7. French Fries' American Introduction: Thomas Jefferson is credited with introducing "french fries" to America when he served them at a White House dinner.

8. The "Nightshade" Family: The potato plant is a member of the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes and tobacco. The leaves and fruits of the potato plant are poisonous and should not be eaten.

9. Royal Fashion Trend: In the 18th century, Marie Antoinette paraded through the French countryside wearing potato blossoms in her hair, helping to make the plant fashionable.

10. Not Related to Sweet Potatoes: Despite their similar names, regular potatoes and sweet potatoes are not related. The sweet potato is from the morning glory family, while the potato is from the nightshade family.

11. Potatoes and the Great Famine: The Great Famine in Ireland in the mid-19th century was caused by a devastating potato blight that wiped out potato crops, leading to widespread starvation and emigration. The lack of genetic diversity in the potatoes grown in Europe at the time made them highly vulnerable to the disease.

12. The World's Largest Potato: According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest potato ever grown weighed over 7 pounds.

13. "Spud" Nickname: The word "spud" is a slang term for a potato. The origin of the term is uncertain, but it may have come from the tool used to dig up potatoes.

14. Ancient Agricultural History: Archaeologists have found evidence of potatoes being grown as a crop for at least 5,400 years, with micro-remains discovered on ancient tools in southern Peru.

15. Mostly Water: A potato is approximately 80% water and 20% solids. A medium baked or boiled potato contains only about 100 calories.

All events on August 19th 2026