National Potato Month

National Potato Month celebrates the versatile potato throughout September. Baked, mashed, boiled, fried, or turned into a snack, this humble tuber appears in countless dishes and has played an important role in food and agriculture.

Potatoes are indigenous to the Americas, and the oldest known domestication occurred nearly 10,000 years ago in South America. Native American peoples, including the Inca, cultivated different varieties at varying altitudes, while potatoes served as a principal source of food and energy. The crop later crossed the Atlantic during the Spanish conquest of South America and eventually became a staple in Europe and elsewhere. The National Archives’ history of the potato explores the crop’s agricultural and cultural legacy.

The origin of National Potato Month is not clearly recorded, and no documented founder is known. Its subject, however, has a long and fascinating history. The Smithsonian’s overview of the potato traces its development from Andean agriculture to a globally important food crop. During September, enjoy the many ways potatoes can bring variety—and perhaps a little extra comfort—to the table.

How to Observe National Potato Month

Celebrate by preparing a potato dish in a style you enjoy, or use the month to try something new. Bake, mash, roast, fry, or boil potatoes, and share the meal with family or friends. You can also explore the potato’s Andean beginnings and agricultural history through the Smithsonian’s account or browse the Idaho Potato Commission’s recipe collection for inspiration.

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