Have you ever wondered how Idaho became known for potatoes? The first-time potatoes were introduced to this state was when a Presbyterian missionary named Henry Spalding and his wife Eliza traveled here on the Oregon Trail in 1836. The Spaldings came to the area to educate the Nez Perce Indians about Christianity, irrigation, and how to cultivate our state’s notable vegetable to provide a sustainable food source rather than hunting and gathering. The village of Spalding, Idaho, in Nez Perce County is named after these missionaries.
The famous Idaho baking potato known as the Russet Burbank (aka Netted Gem) came a little later in 1872 and was developed by Luther Burbank. It was initially created to help with the devastating potato famine in Ireland. Burbank noted, "These potatoes have a modified coat in a way that does not add to their attractiveness. It is said, however, that this particular variant is particularly resistant to blight, which gives it exceptional value." They also make excellent French fries!
The first potato fields were planted by Mormon colonists three years before the Idaho Territory was created. Between the river valley water and the volcanic ash soil, their potato crops thrived. This was the humble beginning of our Idaho farmers’ domination of the United States potato market.
