National Mashed Potato Day

Deepthi Reddy
Dec 22, 2023 By Deepthi Reddy
Originally Published on Feb 09, 2022
Fact-checked by Shruti Thapa
October 18 is declared National Mashed Potato Day.
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Age: 0-99
Read time: 2.6 Min

Where is National Mashed Potato Day celebrated?

National Mashed Potato Day is celebrated in the United States, and has been celebrated since 2016.

Who is National Mashed Potato Day celebrated by?

The people of the United States celebrate National Mashed Potato Day on October 18 every year.

When did National Mashed Potato Day first start?

 It's believed that the Idaho Potato Commission founded National Mashed Potato Day on October 18, 2016. 

Who started National Mashed Potato Day?

There is no data available on who exactly started National Mashed Potato Day in 2016. However, a few believe Idaho Potato Commission was responsible for founding this day in celebration of mashed potatoes!

The most used potato masher has an S wound wire with a flat bottom.

History And Timeline

A French army pharmacist, Antoine-Augustin Parmentier, was imprisoned by Prussian soldiers in the mid-1700s during the Seven-Year War and was forced to live on rations of potatoes. After his release, he educated people about the magic of tuber, and prepared all the delicious ways to serve it, including mashed. 

Potatoes were originally believed to be fed for livestock and cause leprosy in humans. The French had passed a law against potatoes; however, in 1772, the potato ban was canceled by France.

First Fries

The Inca people of Peru were the first to cultivate potatoes.

8000 BC

Stolen Spuds

The Spanish conquistadors invade Peru. They bring potatoes back to Europe.

1536

Presidential Potatoes

Thomas Jefferson serves French-fried potatoes at the White House.

1802

Space Spud

NASA and the University of Wisconsin partner to make the potato the first vegetable grown in space.

1995

Boil 'Em, Mash 'Em

In this significant cameo from 'Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers,' potatoes achieve their silver screen pinnacle.

2002

Traditions And Customs

To enjoy this day, no particular custom or tradition needs to be followed, just prepare and eat delicious mashed potato for dinner with family and friends to celebrate this day.

Mashed potatoes come in the form of mashed chipped, smashed, or covered in cheese can be eaten with meals or as meals. Mashed potatoes is made with the help of an electric mixer or by masher. 

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Mashed Potato Day

By observing Mashed Potato Day on October 18, people are aware of the nutritional benefits that we get from potatoes.

You may also observe this day by reading and sharing some new recipes on mashed potatoes. Sharing the benefits of mashed potatoes on social media and creating awareness of their taste and health is a good way to observe this day.

Facts And Stats

  • 'The Art Of Cookery' recipe book is the earliest known published mashed potato recipe, authored by Hannah Glasse.
  • Non-fried potatoes consumption may increase fiber and potassium levels comparatively.
  • Mashed potatoes are available in versions like 'instant' dehydrated flaked and dehydrated or frozen, etc.


 

When Is National Mashed Potato Day?

October 18 is celebrated as National Mashed Potato Day.

What is the purpose of National Mashed Potato Day?

To enjoy prepping and preparing the delicious mashed potato for family and friends and raising awareness of the health benefits of using mashed potatoes.

What are the health benefits of mashed potatoes?

Potatoes are high in potassium, which is necessary for controlling blood pressure.

What are some related events?

Other national days include National Tater Day, Potato Pancakes Day, and National Tater Tot Day.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Sunday, October 18, 2020
  • Monday, October 18, 2021
  • Tuesday, October 18, 2022
  • Wednesday, October 18, 2023
  • Friday, October 18, 2024

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Written by Deepthi Reddy

Master of Business Administration

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Deepthi ReddyMaster of Business Administration

With an MBA under her belt, Deepthi has discovered her true calling in content writing. Her writing repertoire is diverse, covering travel, movies, pet care, parenting, animals and birds, and more. Her joy of learning and creating has helped her craft well-written and engaging articles. When she isn't writing, Deepthi enjoys exploring new cultures, trying different foods, and spending quality time with her two children aged 7 and 12.

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Fact-checked by Shruti Thapa

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English

Shruti Thapa picture

Shruti ThapaBachelor of Arts specializing in English

With a passion for American, British, and children's literature, Shruti is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree at Garden City University, Bengaluru. Her fluency in Nepali, Hindi, and Mandarin demonstrates her linguistic abilities and global perspective. In addition to her literary pursuits, she has a keen interest in non-fiction literature, aesthetics, early childhood education, and Egyptian history. Shruti's research paper 'Bringing Art Illustrations In Education And Pop Culture' showcases her proficiency in these areas and her dedication to academic excellence.

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