00:00Did you know that Idaho produces nearly one-third of all the potatoes in the United States?
00:05That's right. This state is known as the Potato State for a reason, and today we're going to tell
00:10you why. But first, if you're new here, welcome. We've been exploring the hidden gems, the amazing
00:17people and the unique experiences that this great country has to offer. So, hit that subscribe
00:22button so you don't miss out on future episodes. Now back to Idaho. Did you know that Idaho produces
00:2913 billion pounds of potatoes annually? That's nearly one-third of all the potatoes grown in the
00:35United States. The climate and soil in Idaho are perfect for growing potatoes. The state's nickname
00:41is actually the Potato State, not the Gem State. That's right. Idaho is known as the Potato State
00:48because it produces more potatoes than any other state. In fact, if Idaho were its own country,
00:53it would be the 18th largest producer of potatoes in the world. The J.R. Simplot Company is the
01:00largest producer of potatoes in Idaho and the United States. The company was founded in 1929
01:07and is based in Boise, Idaho. As of 2021, the company produces 1.4 billion pounds of potatoes
01:15annually. That's about 63% of all the potatoes grown in Idaho. The most popular variety of potato
01:22grown in Idaho is the Russet Burbank. This variety is high in starch and low in moisture, making it ideal
01:29for things like French fries and potato chips. That's why Idaho potatoes are so popular with
01:34restaurants and food manufacturers. In addition to being the top producer of potatoes, Idaho is also
01:41the top consumer of potatoes. That's right. Idahoans eat more potatoes than anyone else in the United
01:47States. On average, each Idaho resident consumes 127 pounds of potatoes each year. That's more than
01:55double the national average. If you're a fan of potatoes, then you'll love Idaho. From the famous
02:00Idaho Potato Commission to the Great American Potato Festival, there's no shortage of potato-themed
02:06events and attractions in this state. So the next time you're in Idaho, be sure to try a fresh Idaho
02:12potato. You won't be disappointed. Now we're gonna hand it over to our travel partner, Away. They're
02:18gonna show you what it's really like to visit Idaho. Take it away, Away. Thanks for watching. See you next time.
