Digest

This episode of The Indicator delves into the contentious issue of potato classification, specifically whether they should be considered a vegetable or a grain. The debate stems from the federal government's dietary guidelines, which influence food choices in schools and federal assistance programs. While potatoes are botanically vegetables, their high starch content and common consumption in processed forms like french fries have raised concerns about their nutritional value. The episode highlights the powerful potato lobby, which has successfully lobbied to maintain potatoes' vegetable status, citing their affordability, versatility, and role in introducing children to other vegetables. The National Potato Council argues that reclassifying potatoes as grains would make them less appealing for school lunches due to their higher cost. The episode concludes with the USDA's decision to maintain potatoes as a vegetable, but the debate remains open as the possibility of considering them interchangeable with grains persists.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the topic of the episode, which is the debate surrounding the classification of potatoes as a vegetable. It also introduces the guest, Nate Hegey, host of the Public Radio Podcast "Outside In."

00:00:13

The Potato Debate

This Chapter delves into the history of the potato debate, highlighting the federal government's dietary guidelines and their impact on food choices in schools and federal assistance programs. It also discusses the nutritional concerns surrounding potatoes, particularly their high starch content and common consumption in processed forms like french fries.

00:06:25

The Potato Lobby

This Chapter explores the powerful potato lobby, which has successfully lobbied to maintain potatoes' vegetable status. The National Potato Council argues that reclassifying potatoes as grains would make them less appealing for school lunches due to their higher cost. The episode also highlights the lobbying efforts, including a 60-day potato-only diet by an advocate in 2010.

00:09:08

The USDA's Decision

This Chapter concludes with the USDA's decision to maintain potatoes as a vegetable, but the debate remains open as the possibility of considering them interchangeable with grains persists. The episode highlights the ongoing efforts of the potato lobby to ensure their continued status as a vegetable.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the main debate surrounding potatoes in this episode?

  The main debate is whether potatoes should be classified as a vegetable or a grain. This debate stems from the federal government's dietary guidelines, which influence food choices in schools and federal assistance programs.

• What are the arguments for and against classifying potatoes as a vegetable?

  Arguments for classifying potatoes as a vegetable include their affordability, versatility, and role in introducing children to other vegetables. Arguments against classifying potatoes as a vegetable include their high starch content and common consumption in processed forms like french fries, which can contribute to unhealthy diets.

• How does the potato lobby influence the debate?

  The potato lobby, represented by the National Potato Council, has successfully lobbied to maintain potatoes' vegetable status. They argue that reclassifying potatoes as grains would make them less appealing for school lunches due to their higher cost.

• What is the USDA's current stance on potato classification?

  The USDA has decided to maintain potatoes as a vegetable, but the debate remains open as the possibility of considering them interchangeable with grains persists.

• What are the potential implications of reclassifying potatoes as a grain?

  Reclassifying potatoes as a grain could lead to changes in school lunch programs, as schools might choose to serve less expensive grains instead of potatoes. This could have implications for the potato industry and the availability of potatoes in school meals.

Show Notes