In Defence Of The Potato, The Essential (But Underloved) Student Food

"Your favourite food is potatoes?"

This is probably the most common response I get when describing my love for these creamy, golden jewels. Either that or an obnoxious laugh.

Why does the world have such a problem with potatoes? Once upon a time, potatoes were the backbone of every single dish that was served on the table. Roast potato, baked potato, mashed potato… maybe even a bit of potato in dessert?

The fact is, the world used to love potatoes; whether it was breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts or snacks, the potato was there. "So what happened?" you ask. I'll tell you what happened. Diets. One moment, potatoes were flying off shelves and the next they were just sitting there: sad, lonely and looking for love.

Now, if you're like me, you’re either sitting there sobbing your heart out at the discrimination shown towards potatoes, or you're craving a big bowl of mash. Read on for three points to use in any future arguments against your evil, potato-hating friends. (And if you're out there hating on potatoes even after you've learnt about the suffering and hardships they've been through, you really need to read on, because we obviously need to set your head straight.)

Potatoes are good for you!

Since the disastrous introduction of low-carb diets (and the unfair lumping-in of all potato products – like potato chips and French fries – as “bad for you”), much better scientists have come to save the day. Potatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Testing on potatoes has also revealed they contain different flavonoids like quercetin which helps boost your immunity, fight diseases and improve overall heart health. Potatoes also help lower blood pressure. And the best part? Potatoes have a little something called resistant starch which can actually help you lose weight.

Remember your childhood?

If you never cut a potato in half, carved it out to make patterns and used the patterns in paint, then you obviously didn't have a pleasant childhood... JK. Still, this is one of the best things to do (at any age) in my opinion, so it’s never too late to start. Just grab a potato and some paint and have at it. Also, does anyone know a certain Mr. Potato Head? Of course you do, because if you don't it means you haven't watched Toy Story and if you haven't watched Toy Story... well, I don’t even know what to say to that.

It’s easy on the piggy bank.

You can usually buy potatoes for the mere price of $2.00 per kilogram. That's basically your dinner for the whole week in the change you can find under your bed. Not only are potatoes incredibly inexpensive, but there are so many ways to cook them, for carnivores and vegan alike. Some great ideas for a meat lover are jacket potatoes filled with bacon and pineapple and topped with some sour cream for a Hawaiian twist. Potato bake is another favourite of mine; the creamy texture is perfect for those cold winter nights. Don't skimp on the sides either. Classics like mash and roast potatoes will win the hearts of any house guest.

Convinced? Don't discriminate this lovely veggie. Instead, show it some of your love. Now I'll let you go and scarf down some potatoes, which I'm sure you've been longing to do since you started reading.

Congratulations to Hannah for winning this writing challenge, answering: In Defence Of The Potato. Hannah wins a $50 Westfield gift card for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Comps section. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge!

Photo: BBC.