National Potato Day 2022 (19th August): History, Celebration, and Ayurvedic View

National Potato Day is celebrated on August 19 every year worldwide. Of course, some countries do celebrate grandly and some countries do not. It doesn’t matter whether you celebrate it or not, what matters the most is recognizing how delicious the food made with potatoes is, and admiring how magically potatoes can blend with any other food you can name. Potatoes are sweet potatoes or the normal tubers, every potato just lingers on our tongues.

Ayurveda also considers potatoes to be one of the most advised foods that can be taken by anyone. Everything in limit is not harmful and brings only good to the table. On this National Potato Day, IAFA wants to bring you a beautiful article about our favourite nightshade potatoes which is worth reading. Just scroll down and have an awesome read! 

History of Potatoes

Wikipedia states that potatoes were the first domesticated vegetables in southern Peru dating back to 8000 and 5000 BCE. So, it all started with Peru and since then this potato has been spreading all over the world leaving its flavour and taste everywhere.

History also tells us that, during the 19th century in Europe, it had become everyone’s staple food due to:-

• It’s full and satisfies hunger.
• It’s cheap
• Lower rate of spoilage. 

Even though centuries are running, potatoes have remained the same. They have a longer shelf life, can have some and can feel full for a long time and of course they are affordable to laymen. 

Let’s celebrate National Potato Day 2022 with a blend of Ayurveda. 

What does Ayurveda Say about Potatoes? 

Ayurveda considers potatoes to be good food anyone can have but to be more cautious of Vata dosha dominant people. Because potatoes are heavy and difficult to digest, Vata’s dominant dosha has less Agni or digestive fire to digest. 

Ayurveda labels potatoes as:-

• Soothing, astringent.
• Coolness on the body.
• Heavy and dry making them difficult to digest.
• Raw potatoes or potatoes which are green inside are considered poisonous and need to be avoided. 

Ayurvedic Way of Eating Potatoes 

We will give a handful of recipes for this National Potato Day. Just cook them and enjoy treating your guests with delicious potato dishes. 

• Boiled and mashed potatoes are good to go.
• Ayurveda strictly prohibits deep frying potatoes as it loses nutrients.
• Vata-dominant people can take potatoes along with some spices. 
• Green or raw potatoes are a no-no.
• It’s better to peel off the skin as the skin is hard to digest. 
• Sweet potatoes and yams should be avoided by Vata-dominant people.  
• Pitta and Kapha dominant people can have all kinds of potatoes in limit. 
• It’s often recommended to have them for breakfast and lunch as they are heavy to digest. 

Ayurvedic Dishes to Cook by Using Potatoes

• Peas and potato curry, peas are good sources of fibre and can go well with potatoes. Add some desi ghee to the pan, sprinkle some mustard seeds, and then add the turmeric, chilli, onion, tomato, and cilantro. Let the onion turn golden brown and add peas and potatoes. Cook for about 10 minutes then you can have it with roti or rice. 
• Potato and cauliflower sabji, boil both the veggies and add some desi ghee to the saucepan or earthen pot and add the spices. It’s time for veggies to be added and cooked until they are properly cooked. 
• When it’s summer, this recipe serves the best, coconut cilantro potato salad, this is the easiest and healthiest recipe. Just blend the coconut, cilantro, salt and ginger and add the mix to the boiled potatoes and garnish with cilantro, there you go, the tastier salad is in front of you.
• Feel like having sweet potato, then try quinoa and sweet potato kitchari, all you need is some spices, quinoa, moong dal and some potatoes. Make the recipe as usual like you make kitchari. 
• Have sweet potato with a twist as spinach with sweet potato and carrot. You can enjoy plenty of benefits of spinach, and carrot along with the taste of potato.
• You can simply have only mashed potatoes for your breakfast. 
• Aloo paratha is yet again one of the famous and mouth-watering Indian dishes to serve us better. 
• Turmeric spiced potatoes, just season potatoes with turmeric for numerous health benefits and you are ready to eat. 

How Do You Celebrate National Potato Day? 

All you have to do is, don’t be a couch potato on this fun day and treat yourselves to great recipes that are mentioned above and let the world know-how did you celebrate by making a post on your socials. We hope you got an insight into the Ayurveda about potatoes and some delicious recipes to cook and serve yourself and your guests. Potatoes are one of the strengthening vegetables with immense benefits and delicious taste. 

IAFA and Dr. Gupta wishes you the best flavours of potatoes on your way on this National Potato Day.