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100 Things You Can Do With a Potato
I moved to Maine from New Hampshire about 2 years ago. You wouldn’t think there would be much difference between life in these two northern New England states, but there are many and varied differences between my life here in Maine and the one I had in New Hampshire. One of the most pronounced is the prominence of the potato in Maine’s culture. Maine is famous for lobsters, blueberries and potatoes. I thought I knew a lot about each of these commodities, but during the current Stay-Safe-At-Home order, I have taken the time that has been thrust into my hands to learn so much more about the potato. It is perhaps the most modest of tubers and we all love to hate it. We are notorious for our potatoes here in Maine. McCain Industries has even made a deal to use some of them in McDonalds famous fries. These are by no means the most tasty or innovative use of our famous mascot, just ask any Mainer (or as I like to think of myself, any Mainiac).
Arroostook county, in the northern most part of the state, here-ever-after referred to merely as “The County” actually has a 3 week break from school each autumn for high school students so they can work on The County’s farms during the potato harvest. This is a fairly controversial policy. According to the Bangor (Maine) Daily News it is expensive for school districts to follow this long standing tradition as it adds weeks to the beginning of the…
