This children’s article, It’s International Potato Day! Let’s celebrate potatoes, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It helps children practise reading and comprehension, learn exciting vocabulary, and discover fun facts about a food loved worldwide. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
A simple but powerful food
The potato might look plain, but it’s one of the most important foods in the world. It grows underground and can be baked, boiled, fried, or mashed. Potatoes are eaten in almost every country, from spicy Indian dishes to crispy French fries in the USA.
Potatoes are full of energy. They also give us vitamin C and potassium. That makes them both tasty and healthy, if you don’t eat too many chips, that is!
A world traveller
Potatoes were first grown in South America more than 7,000 years ago. The Inca people in the Andes Mountains farmed them. Later, explorers brought potatoes to Europe. At first, people were unsure about eating them, but soon, everyone realised they were not only tasty but also so versatile.
Nowadays, it’s China and India that grow the most potatoes. And while it’s China that eats the most in total, it’s actually Belarus where individuals eat the most. The average Belarusian eats 160kg of potatoes per year. Compared to only 47kg on average in China, you can see that the people of Belarus truly love their spuds.
There are over 4,000 different types. Some are yellow, some are red, and some are even purple!
Why have a Potato Day?
The United Nations started International Potato Day to teach people how important potatoes are. They help fight hunger and support farmers around the world.
On 30 May, schools and communities may cook potato recipes, learn about farming, or even try potato printing (yes, you can make art with potatoes!).
So next time you see a potato, remember, it’s not just food. It’s a super spud!Read more about Potato Day on the UN’s website.
Fun facts about potatoes
- Potatoes were the first vegetable grown in space!
- The world’s biggest potato weighed over 10 kilograms (about 22 pounds).
- Some potatoes glow in the dark—scientists created them using special genes!
- Potato skins are a good source of fibre.
- The phrase “couch potato” means someone who likes to relax and watch TV a lot.
Article vocabulary list
- Spuds – Another name for potatoes.
- Energy – Power from food that helps your body move and think.
- Vitamin C – A vitamin that helps keep you healthy.
- Potassium – A mineral that helps your muscles and heart work well.
- Explorer – A person who travels to learn about new places.
- Inca – A group of people who lived in South America long ago.
- Andes Mountains – A long mountain range in South America.
- Versatile – able to do many different things or be used in many different ways.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. What date is International Potato Day?
a) 1 January
b) 30 May
c) 5 July
Answer: b) 30 May
2. Where were potatoes first grown?
a) Europe
b) China
c) South America
Answer: c) South America
3. What can potatoes give your body?
a) Sugar and fat
b) Vitamin C and energy
c) Water and salt
Answer: b) Vitamin C and energy
4. What is a “tuber”?
a) A kind of cooking pot
b) A plant that grows above ground
c) A part of a plant that grows underground
Answer: c) A part of a plant that grows underground
5. Why did the United Nations create International Potato Day?
a) To stop people eating junk food
b) To help people learn how potatoes fight hunger
c) To sell more French fries
Answer: b) To help people learn how potatoes fight hunger
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
