8 Unexpected Applications for Potatoes

As one of the most widely consumed and cherished vegetables globally, potatoes offer far more than just culinary delights. Beyond frying or mashing, they serve a variety of unique purposes. Discover some unconventional ways to make the most of this humble tuber.

1. Adorn yourself with their blossoms.

Originating from the Solanum tuberosum plant, part of the nightshade family, potatoes produce blooms in shades of white, pink, red, blue, or purple. In the late 18th century, to encourage their famine-stricken populace to cultivate this South American import brought to Europe by the Spanish, Marie Antoinette adorned her hair with potato flowers, while King Louis XVI sported them on his lapels. Though this briefly made potato blossoms a trend among French aristocracy, the working class remained unswayed by the royal push to adopt the crop.

2. Harness potatoes to generate electricity.

Whether you're in a pinch or preparing for the apocalypse, potatoes can be a lifesaver. With simple household items like wires, copper, and a zinc-coated nail, paired with a single potato, you can power devices such as clocks, light bulbs, and other small electronics.

3. Cultivate potatoes in outer space.

In 1995, potatoes made history as the first vegetable grown aboard a space shuttle. Raymond Bula from the University of Wisconsin led an initiative where five Norland potato leaves were cultivated in space. Bula's team, in collaboration with NASA, monitored the experiment from Earth while maintaining constant communication with the shuttle crew. Upon the shuttle's return, the team discovered that the potato plants not only survived but also produced tubers.

4. Use potatoes to nurture rose plants.

Gardeners can embed rose cuttings into a potato and plant it like a seed or bulb. The potato's rich nutrients offer moisture and nourishment, boosting the cutting's chances of thriving.

5. Create plastic using potatoes.

Known as bioplastics, these materials can be derived from corn, wheat, and, of course, potatoes. The starches and cellulose in potatoes are ideal for producing plastic, which can be composted or burned with minimal harm to the environment.

6. Utilize potatoes to track time.

During the peak of their civilization, the Incas of Peru utilized potatoes for a variety of purposes. Renowned for their innovative agricultural techniques, the Incas also explored timekeeping—using the duration required to cook a potato as a method to measure time.

7. Eliminate rust using potatoes.

Got a rusty knife? Inserting it into a potato and letting it sit can significantly help in removing the rust. Potatoes naturally contain oxalic acid, a key ingredient in many cleaning products (albeit in higher concentrations). This acid effectively breaks down rust. For larger rusted areas, slice a potato in half, sprinkle baking soda on it or dip it in dish soap, and start scrubbing.

8. Send them through the mail.

With Mail A Spud, you can fulfill the whimsical dream of sending a potato to loved ones for just $14. The service promises nationwide delivery within the U.S., ensuring your quirky gift will bring joy to its recipients. Alternatively, Potato Parcel offers the option to mail a potato featuring your face.

Originally published in 2016, this article has been refreshed for 2022.