Why Idaho® Potatoes

Long before there were potatoes, Idaho was getting ready for them. Volcanoes erupted and mineral-rich ash created the fields that would later produce the best potatoes on earth. Nearly 10 million years later, in 1836, a missionary in Idaho taught the Nez Perce Indians to plant them as an alternative to hunting. Soon after, hungry pioneers were trading goods for the tribe's potatoes.

 

Our mineral-rich soil, warm sunshine, sparkling clear water, clean air and average 125-day growing season transform the Idaho Russet into an extraordinary potato. Nearly one-third of the nation’s potatoes are produced in Idaho making it the largest potato growing state.