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Idaho State Vegetable:
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The potato was designated the official state vegetable of Idaho in 2002. Idaho's rich volcanic soil, water from melting snow in nearby mountains, clean air, sunny days and cool nights combine to produce consistently high-quality potatoes that have made Idaho famous worldwide. Americans love potatos - we each consume about 140 pounds of pototos per year in fresh and processed forms. |
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P is for Potato - An Idaho Alphabet Book explores the lush land and rich history of Idaho … The appaloosa horse, Nez Perce Indians, and peregrine falcon share the spotlight with the potato, Union Pacific, Quinceanera, and other Idaho icons ... more |
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The potato is a native American plant, originating in what is now southern Peru (about three thousand varieties persist in the Andes of South America and there are about five thousand potato varieties world wide). The English word "potato" comes from Spanish patata (derived originally from the Nahuatl word potatl). The potato is now the world's most widely grown tuber crop, and the fourth largest fresh produce food crop (following rice, wheat, and corn). The potato was introduced to Europe about 80 years after the first voyage of Columbus in 1492. Once established in Europe, potatos became an important food staple and field crop. Lack of genetic diversity (due to the fact that very few varieties were initially introduced) left the crop vulnerable to disease, resulting in the Great Irish Famine.
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The State of Idaho - State Symbols: Gov James E. Risch
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American Food and Agricultural Symbols
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Idaho Symbols & Icons: |
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bird - raptor |
flag - seal |
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State Symbols USA on Facebook |
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The Enormous Potato: Folk tales give us hope. They show us that we can succeed in spite of apparent problems. ... more |
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POTATO ***** 5 star review: potatoes are a versatile ingredient in any cook's kitchen - layered in a creamy gratin, shaped into rustic gnocchi with pesto, or puréed into a comforting soup ... enticing photographs help you decide which dish to prepare ... more |
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Ultimate Potato Book: Hundreds of Ways to Turn America's Favorite Side Dish into a Meal by Bruce Weinstein, Mark Scarbrough |