When it comes to cooking, few vegetables are more versatile than the potato. Though it can’t be eaten raw, like carrots, radishes and cucumbers, there are a thousand and one ways to prepare potatoes; for example, boiling, frying, baking or even mashing. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper and it is a delicious snack or for some even a meal in itself.

In desi cuisine the potato is cooked in a lot of ways — on its own or with meat, or rice or in combination with other vegetables like spinach. Potato cutlets and aloo parathay (potato stuffed flatbread) are also favourite items.

This popular vegetable is not without its benefits. It is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins C and B-complex, niacin, magnesium, potassium, zinc and phosphorus. Due to the presence of these minerals it is believed that eating potato can reduce inflammation in the intestines and the digestive tract, increase brain function and help keep blood pressure at low levels. Being rich in magnesium, they can offset the accumulation of calcium in kidneys and thus reduce incidence of kidney stones.

It’s not uncommon to dismiss potato as junk food; but is it really just that?

It should be kept in mind that potatoes exposed to light in storage sometimes develop an alkaloid called solanine in the form of green spots on the outer skin. Although the green spots can be removed in peeing, it is better not to use such infected potatoes for human or animal consumption. Overweight and diabetic patients are also advised to be cautious while consuming potato.

We love to eat them, but the usefulness of the humble potato does not stop at the dinner table. You may be surprised to discover the following and many other uses of this common vegetable.

Soothe burns: Potatoes have antibacterial properties that aid in the healing of minor burns and ease pain. Cut into thin slices and apply to the burn or grate and mix with water for use as a poultice.

As a beauty aid: Potatoes are great for reducing wrinkles and blemishes, taking care of dark circles under the eyes as well as in removing pimples, blackheads, oily skin. Rub slices of potato over the affected area, leave for a minute or two and rinse your face gently. The result will be tighter, smoother, and cleaner skin for sure.

Reducing puffy eyes: Potatoes are great to relax the eyes and reduce puffiness. The best way to do so is to slice a potato, place the halves over the eyes, and keep them on for about 20 minutes. Repeat this process regularly and you’ll soon see a noticeable change.

Remove rust: Cut a potato in half and rub the exposed surface on rusted tools. The acid in the potato will lift the rust without laborious scrubbing.

Clean silverware: To remove tarnish from silver without the use of abrasives, boil a few potatoes and after removing the potatoes place the silverware into this water and let them soak for 20 minutes to half an hour. Remove them and wipe them properly, and you will be left with sparkling new silverware.

Rescue salty soup: Too salty? Toss in a few chunks of potato into the pot and remove after 10 minutes to draw excessive salt from the broth.

Grow more potatoes: Cut a potato into pieces and plant in the ground or large pot. Potatoes are easy growers and will begin to sprout in a matter of days. And now you’ve got even more reasons to keep them on hand!

Create fine art: If your child is interested in arts and crafts, carve designs into the surface to create decorative home-made stamps. Give your child an inkpad and some paper, and watch the creativity flow.

You can also use potatoes to help anchor flowers in arrangements. Slice off the bottom of the potato so it lies flat; make some holes with a skewer. Insert flower stems in the holes and your flowers will stay upright.

Power source: Potatoes contain a certain amount of energy that can be harnessed by using wires to attach either a bulb or a clock to the potato. It almost acts like a battery, actually powering the device for some time. But don’t throw away your chargers just yet, you’ll need a LOT of potatoes.

In big industries: Potatoes are still being used in many of the biggest industries in the world, including wood, paper, textile and oil. They use potatoes for their starch content and adhesive extraction. Starch is used for making paper and cloth stiff, while the wood industry uses the adhesive content to bind different layers of wood together and make them stronger. Unlike glue, potato extracts are cheaper and more powerful, which is why their first choice for stickiness is a spud.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, September 14th, 2014