A few months ago, I was invited to Idaho to see the potato harvest, and I leaped at the opportunity. Potatoes have been a lifelong obsession of mine; I cook with them frequently and love eating them, so this was a dream come true.
I had no idea this trip would be so life-changing, but it truly was. I met third-generation potato farmers like Jim Tiede and his son, Alex. These hardworking and humble individuals are incredibly proud of their work and were thrilled to show us their farms. It’s easy to overlook the effort and dedication farmers put in, and I wish everyone could have experienced this with me.
I adore this photo from Jim’s farm because it captures a sense of serenity. During the 10-day harvest, Jim’s farm collects 2.7 million pounds of potatoes each day. You might not realize that Idaho potatoes are harvested just once a year, yet they supply us all year long. Idaho contributes to a third of the nation’s potato supply, which I found astounding. The meticulous care involved in harvesting and storing potatoes year-round is truly impressive.
Potatoes are living organisms, so they shouldn’t be stored in the fridge or under fluorescent lights. The best place to store them is somewhere humid and dark.
I also discovered how stunning Idaho is. On our last night there, we drove to Teton Springs, where I experienced horseback riding for the first time. It was both amazing and a bit frightening.
Now, about the recipe—it’s definitely going into our regular rotation. Curtis absolutely loves it! Initially, I planned to make a salad and baked potatoes with the large russets I brought back from Idaho, but Curtis suggested making a soup. When I mentioned potato leek soup, he countered with baked potato soup.
The soup has a wonderful depth of flavor, thanks to baking the potatoes and adding sour cream. Be sure to temper the cream and sour cream to prevent curdling—instructions are included in the recipe.
Disclosure: I’m proud to be sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission, who made these experiences possible. I only share my favorite brands, and all opinions expressed are my own.
