Irish Potatoes, A Candy Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Irish potato candy made of? ›

Potato is not in any way an ingredient

The candies customarily include some butter or cream cheese, coconut shreds, icing sugar, and maybe a few other ingredients. Once molded into shape, they're rolled in a cinnamon coating. Some shops mix in cocoa powder.

While both types of potatoes can be a healthy part of your diet, sweet potatoes are higher in nutrients like vitamin A that may offer extra benefits for your overall health. There are many similarities between potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Irish potatoes are similar in flavor to the inside of an Almond Joy or Mounds bar, but with a slight added tang from the cream cheese and a strong cinnamon kick. Because they're sweet and dense, it's important not to make them TOO big, or they can be overwhelming. Think of them as little coconut truffles!

Irish potatoes are a good source of soluble fibre, which helps to reduce cholesterol levels thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease. Also, the potato's fibre, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 content, coupled with its lack of cholesterol, all support heart health.

In the realm of delectable confections, Irish Potato Candy stands out as a delightful treat that transcends its name and cultural origins. Originating in Irish-American communities in Philadelphia, this sweet delight has become synonymous with the spirit of celebration, particularly during the spring season.

Ireland's primary potato variety of yore, the Irish Lumper, is a white potato that is more waxy than starchy, and so mashed potatoes made from these varieties fare better as smashed, rather than emulsified, providing ideal conditions for hearty mix-ins.

Consuming potassium-rich foods like Irish potatoes can help reduce the risk of hypertension and lower the chances of heart disease and stroke. Immune System Support: Irish potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is known for its immune-boosting properties.

Like any other carb-containing food, potatoes increase blood sugar levels. When you eat them, your body breaks down the carbs into simple sugars that move into your bloodstream. This is what's often called a spike in blood sugar levels ( 1 ).

You can still eat sweet potatoes if you have diabetes, assures Huff. The fiber content in sweet potatoes, especially if you consume them with the skin on, can help reduce spikes in your blood sugar. Plus, how you cook your sweet potatoes can also help reduce the extent to which your blood sugar rises.

In the industry and with USDA, russets are often referred to as 'white' potatoes. Russets are the primary variety group grown in Idaho, representing approximately 50% of the 315,000 acres grown annually. Ireland grows numerous potato varieties. The country is partial to their yellow and red skin varieties.

Can you eat raw Irish potatoes? ›

Taking a bite or two of a raw potato is okay, but eating a lot of it isn't recommended. Consuming raw potatoes can lead to digestive issues and discomfort. “If someone accidentally eats a small amount of raw potato, they typically don't need to worry unless they start feeling ill,” says Gaffen.

According to Macrobiotic nutritionists and health practitioner Shilpa Arora says, "high potassium food items should be encouraged for high BP. Potatoes, beets, carrots, oranges and bananas are excellent food choices." Potassium negates ill effects of sodium, by eliminating sodium through your urine.

Feel free to reheat them before you eat. Like soluble fiber, the resistant starch in potatoes acts as a prebiotic, compounds that are helpful to the bacteria in your gut. Like insoluble fiber, it can prevent or treat constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

Of rice, pasta, potatoes, and bread, potatoes are the healthiest of these starchy and complex carbohydrate foods. This is because potatoes are dense in nutrients, containing essential minerals, vitamins, and other micronutrients. Potatoes are also high in fiber, helping to satiate hunger and regulate blood sugar.

The potato candy pinwheel, sometimes shortened to just potato candy, is a rolled candy prepared by mixing mashed potatoes with large amounts of powdered sugar to create a dough-like consistency, and then adding a filling, traditionally peanut butter, and rolling the confectionery to produce a log-like product.

Irish potato candy is a traditional candy from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Despite its name, it is not from Ireland, and does not usually contain any potato.

It tastes mid-way between the waxy varieties such as Jersey Royals and the more floury potatoes like the King Edward.