In most cases, both local and imported potatoes go to the wholesale markets, though there is an increasing amount that goes directly to retailers. From the wholesale market, the potatoes are distributed to consumers through traditional channels: public markets, street markets, mom and pop stores and fruit stores.
How do potatoes reach the consumer?
They can be marketed directly to consumers at farm stands, farmers markets, and through other local retail outlets. There is also a substantial wholesale market in the Mid-Atlantic region based on increasing demand for locally produced foodstuffs and specialty-type potatoes.
How are potatoes spread around the world?
In 1536, Spanish Conquistadors in Peru discovered the flavors of the potato and transported them to Europe. At first, the vegetable was not widely accepted. Sir Walter Raleigh introduced potatoes to Ireland in 1589, but it took nearly four decades for the potato to spread to the rest of Europe.
Where do most of the potatoes we use come from?
China is now the world’s top potato producer, followed by India, Russia, and Ukraine. The United States is the fifth largest producer of potatoes in the world (NPC).
How are potatoes consumed in the US?
In restaurants, fast food places, and other away from home eating places, fried potatoes accounted for 59 percent of potato consumption. Food intake surveys show other potato dishes, such as mashed and scalloped potatoes, are often prepared with added fats and sodium.
Are potatoes transported by truck?
In pre-process, most customers transport potatoes by truck, typically in 40-foot enclosed vans. An alternate means is by rail car. Potatoes can also be shipped loose in bulk or by placing them in 0,90 to 1,36 tons crates or totes. Last, but not least, there is maritime transport for large quantities and long distances.
How are fresh market potatoes sold?
Fresh potatoes are increasingly sold in a range of ‘pre-packs‘. Lower priced grades are sold loose or in ‘value packs’.
Why were potatoes illegal in France?
However, French people did not trust the new food, which was used mainly for feeding pigs, and in 1748 growing potatoes was banned by parliament as they were thought to spread disease, especially leprosy.
Why are potatoes so popular?
In modern times potatoes have grown in popularity due to their versatility and ability to be used for many different dishes of food.
What was the first potato?
The earliest recorded trace of the spud was found in the Peruvian Andes at around 6000BC. Research implies that communities of hunters initially came to the South American continent 7000 years before harvesting wild potato plants. The plants sprouted around Lake Titicaca situated high up in the mountains.
How are potatoes shipped?
Potatoes are mainly transported in wide-meshed bags, but are sometimes also transported in perforated plastic bags, crates, cartons and baskets. In damp weather (rain, snow), the cargo must be protected from moisture, as there is otherwise a risk of premature spoilage.
What country consumes the most potatoes?
The top ranked country, China, accounted for 25.8 % of potato consumption in the world. The top 3 countries hold a 46.8 % share while the ten largest countries some 64.7 % in 2019.
Which Country Eats the Most Potatoes?
| Potato Consumption (Total) | Unit |
|---|---|
| Russia | kt |
| Turkey | kt |
| USA | kt |
| Ukraine | kt |
Why is a potato called a spud?
Potatoes are occasionally referred to as Irish potatoes or white potatoes in the United States, to distinguish them from sweet potatoes. The name spud for a potato comes from the digging of soil (or a hole) prior to the planting of potatoes.
How are potatoes eaten?
They’re generally eaten boiled, baked, or fried and frequently served as a side dish or snack. Common potato-based foods and food products include french fries, potato chips, and potato flour.
Why do Americans eat so much potatoes?
Consumers give potatoes high marks for their versatility, being filling and satisfying. They also love potatoes for being a good value — something everyone enjoys — and that they can be prepared quickly and easily.
How many people consume potatoes?
a billion people
More than a billion people worldwide eat potato, and global total crop production exceeds 300 million metric tons. There are more than 4,000 varieties of native potatoes, mostly found in the Andes. They come in many sizes and shapes.
What temperature should potatoes be transported?
In general it can be stated that table potatoes can be shipped between 4,5°C and 12°C. The most commercially used temperature however is between 8°C and 10°C for destinations such as West Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.
What do you store potatoes in?
Potatoes need airflow to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can lead to spoilage. The best way to allow free circulation of air is to store them in an open bowl or paper bag. Do not store them in a sealed container without ventilation, such as a zipped plastic bag or lidded glassware.
How are potatoes harvested commercially?
Soil and crop are transferred onto a series of webs where the loose soil is sieved out. The potatoes are moved towards the back of the harvester on to a separation unit and then (on human-operated machines) to a picking table where people pick out the stones, clods, and haulms (stems or stalks) by hand.
What state exports the most potatoes?
Washington and Wisconsin were the next largest producers with production amounting to about 93.3 million cwt and 29 million cwt, respectively in that year.
Potato production in the United States in 2021, by state (in 1,000 cwt)
| Characteristic | Production in thousand cwt |
|---|---|
| – | – |
How much do farmers make from potatoes?
The average potato farmer gross salary in United States is $46,341 or an equivalent hourly rate of $22. In addition, they earn an average bonus of $820.