# Adventist Adventurer Awards and Answers/Potato
## Read and discuss Genesis 1:11-12, 29-30 and Ecclesiastes 3:2.

Genesis 1: 11-12
$^{11}$ And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
$^{12}$ And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
Genesis 1: 29-30
29 Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.
Ecclesiastes 3:2
a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,

## What are the nutritional benefits of potatoes?

Potato nutrition
* 25% of daily potassium.
* 35% of daily vitamin C.
* 30% of daily vitamin B6.
* four grams of fiber.
* five grams of protein.
Potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals, though the variety and preparation method can affect the nutritional content.
Potatoes are a good source of antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. However, more human-based research is required before making any recommendations.
Potatoes contain resistant starch, which may help reduce insulin resistance. In turn, this can help improve blood sugar control.
Resistant starch in potatoes is a source of nutrition for beneficial gut bacteria. They convert it to the short-chain fatty acid butyrate, which has been linked to reduced inflammation in the colon, improved colon defenses and a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
Potatoes are naturally gluten-free, which makes them an excellent food choice for people with celiac disease or a non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Studies have shown that potatoes are among the most filling foods. They may increase the levels of fullness hormones, such as cholecystokinin (CCK).
Potatoes are delicious, versatile and easy to add to your diet. Try boiling, baking or steaming them and consuming them with the skin intact.

## Potato is the official food or vegetable of which states?

Idaho. Whether you prefer russet, red, fingerling or gold, potatoes are an American staple that the Gem State has rightly claimed as its official food. Idaho is the top potato producer in the U.S

## How do potatoes grow? What are the best growing conditions?

Potatoes are perennial plants planted in the spring and harvested in the fall. Potatoes grow underground on a special stem called a 'stolon'. The potato stems above ground have attractive but non-edible flowers. Since the 'root' of the potato plant is not really a root but a stem, potatoes are also considered tubers.
The very conditions that make one plant flourish might quickly kill another. The key growing conditions that all plants require are temperature, light, water, soil type, mineral nutrients, oxygen, and support.

## What are the different varieties of potatoes? Which varieties are available in your area?

* Russet Potatoes
* New Potatoes
* Yukon Gold Potatoes
* Kennebec Potatoes
* All Blue Potatoes
* Adirondack Blue Potatoes
* Red Bliss Potatoes
* German Butterball Potatoes
* Red Thumb Potatoes
* Russian Banana Potatoes
* Purple Peruvian Potatoes
* Japanese Sweet Potatoes
* Hannah Sweet Potatoes
* Jewel Yam
Potatoes can be categorized into seven different types based on their color and shape. Each of these potato types contains countless different varieties that have been cultivated over time. Here in the US, we classify potatoes as one of these seven types:
* Russet Potatoes - Russets are large potatoes with rough brown skin and pale flesh.
* Yellow Potatoes - Yellow potatoes have thin gold skin and yellow flesh.
* White Potatoes - White potatoes have thin beige or tan skin with pale flesh.
* Red Potatoes - Red potatoes have thin red skin and pale flesh.
* Purple or Blue Potatoes - Blue potatoes have dark purple or blue skin with matching purple flesh.
* Fingerling Potatoes - Fingerling potatoes have a small, tubular shape and have a variety of skin and flesh characteristics.
* New Potatoes - New potatoes are young potatoes that have been harvested early. They have thin, delicate skin and creamy flesh. Also called baby potatoes, they come in a variety of colors.
Irish potatoes are my favorite garden vegetable, and one of the best to grow in Georgia. Other potato varieties that do well in Georgia include white- or red-skinned types as well as those with yellow, pink or purplish flesh.

## When and how are potatoes harvested?

Potatoes can tolerate light frost, but when the first hard frost is expected, it's time to get out the shovels and start digging potatoes. Harvest “new” potatoes, small ones with tender skin, 2 to 3 weeks after plants stop flowering.

## Do one of the following and share your experience:
### Plant a potato and watch it grow

https://www.thespruce.com/growing-potatoes-in-containers-848220