Healthy Hash Browns? You Bet! - Live Naturally Magazine (2024)

The catch … they’re cruciferous.

BY VICKI MARTINEZ

First, a Little Hash Brown History

Although the hashing of foods has been around for centuries, the first printed reference to hash browns appeared in the Minnesota Farmers’ Institute Annual of 1835.

Maria Parloa, cookbook author and food lecturer, was the first to include several healthy hash brown recipes in a cookbook. They appeared in Miss Parloa's Kitchen Companion: A Guide for All Who Would Be Good Housekeepers (Boston: Estes and Lauriat, 1887).

Not long after, in the 1890s, hash browns went mainstream and were served as a gourmet breakfast side in New York’s finest hotels.

First, a Little Hash Brown History

Although the hashing of foods has been around for centuries, the first printed reference to hash browns appeared in the Minnesota Farmers’ Institute Annual of 1835.

Maria Parloa, cookbook author and food lecturer, was the first to include several healthy hash brown recipes in a cookbook. They appeared in Miss Parloa's Kitchen Companion: A Guide for All Who Would Be Good Housekeepers (Boston: Estes and Lauriat, 1887).

Not long after, in the 1890s, hash browns went mainstream and were served as a gourmet breakfast side in New York’s finest hotels.

Are Hash Browns Healthy?

The answer is both yes and no.

Yes, hash browns are perfectly healthy, containing most of the vitamins and minerals found in potatoes—vitamins B1, B3, B6, magnesium, phosphorus, riboflavin and thiamin. The skin of a potato is also high in vitamin C, folate and potassium.

The problem with prepared hash brown patties is that, typically, they are deep-fried in vegetable oil. This tips the scale to the side of not-so-healthy because of high fat content. Also of note: If you’re eating a low-carb diet, be aware that 60 to 70 percent of a potato is starch, a type of carbohydrate.

The good news is that there’s a better option.

A Healthy Hash Brown Alternative

Golden and crispy on the outside. Tender and tasty on the inside. Frozen cauliflower hash browns are the perfect way to satisfy your hash brown cravings while keeping your meal healthy.

“You break open our products, you see vegetables,” says founder and CEO of Strong Roots, Sam Dennigan. “When consumers look at the back of our packs, they understand the ingredients and what goes into their food. Something like a hash brown is a simple staple food and we wanted to bring a veg-forward and non-processed alternative to the market. They are now one of our hero products and the consumers really love them.”

Add a dash of salt, maybe some pepper, and enjoy all the health benefits that cauliflower has to offer.

Try: Strong Roots Cauliflower Hash Browns

Cauliflower is also an excellent source of fiber.

For a new take on an old recipe, try this healthy hash brown benedict recipe featuring Strong Roots cauliflower hash browns:

A Healthy Hash Brown Alternative

Golden and crispy on the outside. Tender and tasty on the inside. Frozen cauliflower hash browns are the perfect way to satisfy your hash brown cravings while keeping your meal healthy.

“You break open our products, you see vegetables,” says founder and CEO of Strong Roots, Sam Dennigan. “When consumers look at the back of our packs, they understand the ingredients and what goes into their food. Something like a hash brown is a simple staple food and we wanted to bring a veg-forward and non-processed alternative to the market. They are now one of our hero products and the consumers really love them.”

Add a dash of salt, maybe some pepper, and enjoy all the health benefits that cauliflower has to offer.

Cauliflower Hash Brown Benedict

Tomato Soup with Cauliflower Hash Browns

Cauliflower Hash Brown Beet Hummus Toasts

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