When it comes to calorie counting, it is important to know the nutritional value of the foods you consume. Potatoes are a common staple in many diets, and knowing the calorie content in different types of potatoes can help you make informed choices. Yukon Gold potatoes are a popular choice due to their smooth and buttery texture, but how many calories do they contain? Here is the lowdown on the calorie count in a Yukon Gold potato.
What Are Yukon Gold Potatoes?
Yukon Gold potatoes are a type of potato that was first introduced in the 1980s. They are a cross between the North American white potato and a wild yellow potato from South America. With their golden yellow flesh and thin skin, Yukon Gold potatoes are popular in many dishes, including mashed potatoes, potato salad, and baked potatoes.
Calorie Content in Yukon Gold Potatoes
The number of calories in a Yukon Gold potato can vary based on its size and how it is prepared. A medium-sized Yukon Gold potato, which is about 5.3 ounces or 150 grams, contains approximately 110 calories. If you are counting calories, it is important to keep in mind the calorie content in other ingredients that are often added to Yukon Gold potatoes to create dishes like mashed potatoes or potato salad. These additional ingredients can significantly increase the calorie count in your meal.
Calorie Content in Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a popular dish that often contains Yukon Gold potatoes. Adding butter, milk, or cream to the mashed potatoes can increase the calorie count. If you add butter, which has approximately 100 calories per tablespoon, to a serving of mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, you could be adding an additional 50-100 calories to your meal depending on the serving size.
Calorie Content in Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes
Roasting Yukon Gold potatoes with olive oil and herbs is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy them. Depending on the amount of olive oil used, roasted Yukon Gold potatoes can have anywhere from 100-200 calories per serving.
Nutritional Value of Yukon Gold Potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes not only provide calories, but they also contain several nutrients that are beneficial for your health. A medium-sized Yukon Gold potato provides approximately 26 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of protein. It also contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and iron.
Carbohydrates in Yukon Gold Potatoes
Carbohydrates are an important macronutrient that provide energy for your body. A medium-sized Yukon Gold potato provides approximately 26 grams of carbohydrates, which can help provide the energy you need to get through your day or workout.
Fiber in Yukon Gold Potatoes
Fiber is an important part of a healthy diet and is beneficial for digestive health. A medium-sized Yukon Gold potato provides approximately 2 grams of fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion.
Protein in Yukon Gold Potatoes
While potatoes are not typically thought of as a high protein food, they do contain some protein. A medium-sized Yukon Gold potato provides approximately 3 grams of protein, which can contribute to your daily protein needs.
How to Incorporate Yukon Gold Potatoes into Your Diet
Yukon Gold potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into many dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Bake Yukon Gold potatoes and top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream and chives or cheese.
- Add roasted Yukon Gold potatoes to a salad for an extra boost of nutrients.
- Mash Yukon Gold potatoes with milk, butter, and garlic for a tasty side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many calories are in a large Yukon Gold potato?
- Are Yukon Gold potatoes healthy?
- How do you make healthy mashed Yukon Gold potatoes?
A large Yukon Gold potato, which is about 10.6 ounces or 300 grams, contains approximately 220 calories.
Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes contain several nutrients that are beneficial for your health, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and iron.
To make healthy mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, reduce the amount of butter and cream or use alternative ingredients like Greek yogurt or low-fat milk. Add extra flavor with herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme.
Conclusion
Yukon Gold potatoes are a tasty and nutritious ingredient that can be incorporated into many dishes. While they do provide calories, they also contain several important nutrients that are beneficial for your health. By understanding the calorie content and nutritional value of Yukon Gold potatoes, you can make informed choices when planning your meals.
References:
- USDA FoodData Central: Potatoes, Yukon Gold, raw
- Harvard Health Publishing: Why nutritionists are crazy about potatoes
- Medical News Today: What are the health benefits of potatoes?