When it comes to Thanksgiving, turkey might steal the spotlight, but it’s not the only star of the table. There’s another ingredient that brings families together, fuels traditions, and offers endless possibilities for your holiday feast. We're talking about potatoes. From creamy mashed potatoes to crispy roasted ones, piled with gravy or baked into cheesy casseroles, they’ve earned their spot as a holiday essential. Dana Rady - Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association Director of Promotions, Communication and Consumer Education says they’re more than just a side dish—they’re a tradition, a nutritional powerhouse, and an economic hero!
The demand for potatoes spikes during the holiday season, and 2023 was no exception. "Consumers spent approximately $220 million on 265 million pounds of fresh potatoes nationwide, during Thanksgiving," Rady notes.