Spud muffin

It might look like it has nothing to offer, but the humble potato is actually jacked up with fibre.

If you suspect potatoes are a nutrition-free zone, it’s time to change your thinking. New data shows that the humble spud is jacked up with fibre – especially when cooked and cooled. Aussie R&D outfit Hort Innovation recently tested a sack of varieties commonly grown across Australia and found that just one regularsized, unpeeled potato contains an enormous 7.7g of fibre on average, including 1.6g resistant starch and 3.6g insoluble fibre, after being cooked and then chilled for two hours. That adds up to 31 per cent of your recommended daily fibre intake (25g per day for women), which experts say is vital for a healthy heart, digestion and weight. Potato salad, anyone?