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OPDI Potato Varieties

Ontario Potato Distribution Inc. produces a number of potato varieties that have been marketed under the Champion Brand for nearly three generations. Sarah to confirm this is correct?

Although potatoes may look similar they are not all the same. They differ in type and starch and sugar content which impacts how they are prepared and consumed.

Ontario Potato Distribution Inc. grows ten varieties of potatoes over the course of our 26 week growing season that runs from April to October. Our spud varieties consist of Snowden, Monona, Cherokee, Superior, Bettina, Mainestay, Penta, Yukon Gold, Fabula and Adora potatoes which fall into the categories of red, white, yellow and russet potatoes.

White Potatoes

Snowden, Monona, Cherokee, Superior, and Mainestay are all white fleshed potatoes that are small to medium in size; round to long in shape and have a white or tan skin. They have medium starch content and are slightly creamy and dense in texture. They have low sugar content and a mild, subtly sweet flavor. White potatoes hold their shape well after cooking and are best for mashing, salads, steaming, boiling and frying.

The Snowden and Monona varieties in particular are ideal for making potato chips because they are low sugar, dry potatoes that fry to a perfect golden crisp.

Yellow Potatoes

The Bettina, Penta, Yukon Gold, Fabula, and Adora varieties are yellow fleshed potatoes that are small to large in size; round or oblong in shape and have a light tan to golden skin. They are slightly waxy potatoes that are velvety and moist. They tend to be slightly sweet, rich and buttery in taste and have medium sugar content. Due to their naturally buttery and creamy texture they lend themselves well to lightened up versions of baked or mashed potatoes. They are ideal for grilling, roasting, mashing and using in salads and they retain their yellow flesh color after cooking.

Many of the yellow fleshed potatoes are all considered all-purpose potatoes which make them the perfect pantry potatoes. Their versatility makes them the perfect spuds for roasts, stews, gratins, pancakes and latkes.

The fact that they are waxy potatoes means they hold their shape during the cooking process and also stay together after being cooked which makes them ideal for potato salads and layered potato dishes such as scalloped potatoes.

No matter the type, potatoes are extremely versatile and delicious.

Russet Potatoes

In a category of their own, the Russet is what usually comes to mind when people think of potatoes. They are medium to large in size with a slightly flattened, oblong shape. They have a brown netted skin and a white flesh.

Russet potatoes are high in starch and low in moisture. They are the quintessential baking potato with a mild earthy flavor that lends itself extremely well to many toppings from traditional sour cream and chives to the spice and exotic flavors of Latin and Mediterranean cuisine. With a very fluffy and absorbent flesh they are also the ideal potato to soak up cream and butter for the perfect mashed potatoes.

Red Potatoes

Often referred to as “new” potatoes these small but mighty spuds are round or oblong in shape with a smooth, red skin and white flesh. They too, are a waxy potato with a moist and creamy texture and flavor that is subtly sweet.

They maintain their shape and firmness when cooking making them great for roasting, salads, soups and stews. Because of their vibrant red skin they add color and texture to salads and sides.

Families love potatoes because they are one of the most affordable and versatile foods on the planet, and they are delicious as well. Add potatoes to your table, tonight!

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Our Potatoes Pack A Healthy Punch

The mighty spud packs a powerful punch when it comes to nutrition. Potatoes are an important food staple, available to Canadians year round, with a number of health benefits. Potatoes are great sources of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that ward off disease and benefit human health.

Ontario Potato Distribution (Alliston) Inc’s (OPDI) potatoes do more than taste great and supply your body with much needed nutrition. They are also grown right here in Central Ontario, in some of the most fertile land the area has to offer. You can feel good about our potatoes, because they’re grown locally, too.

Potatoes are such a delicious way to get the energy your body needs it’s no wonder they are a kitchen staple. They are a good source of potassium (more than bananas!) providing carbohydrates and energy to fuel the mind and body throughout the day. As sources of calcium, and magnesium they have been found to naturally decrease blood pressure as well as maintain bone structure and strength.

Potatoes are also a source of Vitamin B6 which contributes to the formation of virtually all new cells in the body, including brain cells. In addition, potatoes contain significant amounts of fiber, which helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease.

As a source of fibre they also contribute to regularity and maintaining a healthy digestive tract. Dietary fibers are also important when it comes to weight management and weight-loss. They increase satiety and reduce appetite, making you feel fuller for longer and thereby lowering overall calorie intake. It is important to remember however that most of the fibre comes from the potato skins.

Vitamin C can also be found in potatoes. It is an essential nutrient as well as a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cells against free radical damage. Vitamin C is also necessary for collagen production which is the skin’s support system that promotes elasticity, smoothes wrinkles and improves overall texture.

Naturally, we can deduce from all of this that potatoes are good for the heart, body and mind, so bake, roast, shred, mash, scallop, or steam them to enjoy all their health benefits!

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For the Love of the Game

For the Love of the Game: 40 Years of Supporting House League Hockey

If it’s one thing that could be said about the Cappuccitti family, it’s their love of the sport of hockey. And, judging by the 40 years of memorabilia that bears the Ontario Potato name, it’s multi-generational, starting from Gordon Cappuccitti’s support of his son, Danny.

Since the 1970’s the family has supported the West Mall Hockey Association (WMHA) every year, contributing to the house league program, and ensuring that the team was outfitted, and that all the kids had the equipment they needed to play.

According to the WMH Association President, Rich Terneiden, “Danny Cappuccitti has always been there, and is still there to support the kids. He makes hockey a sport available to all kids.”

There’s a long history of the OPDI name within the WMHA, but it doesn’t just end with Danny Cappuccitti. Even senior staff member John Giordano has coached the team for many years, helping kids excel at the sport.

“We are always proud to give to this cause, which contributes to the spirit of community, and continues to enrich families in many ways,” says Cappuccitti, “Sport helped me to excel in many areas of my life, and the lessons learned on the ice and the friends I have made along the way have served me well.”

The West Mall Minor Hockey Association has offered minor hockey house league and competitive programs to youth from Etobicoke and neighbouring communities for over 40 years. Initially, the Association ran its hockey games out of the outdoor twin rinks on West Mall Avenue just south of Burnamthorpe Rd. In the early 1970s, West Mall moved its home ice to the newly-constructed Centennial Arena and was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation with a charter and by-laws, which continue to govern the organization today.

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Supporting Community Outreach with BWAN

In 1992, Bleeker/Wellesley Activity Network (BWAN) founder Vicky Rennie saw a need in her community and promptly filled it. Years later, she is still filling that need, with an ever-growing network of community members who rely on her organization to fill their days with purpose.

This year, during the holidays, she expects to feed over 90 seniors and adults with disabilities, as well as provide comfort and companionship to some of our city’s most isolated citizens. And in return, she enjoys the lively conversation and friendships found within.

The BWAN is a volunteer-based organization committed to providing seniors with a feeling of safety, caring and independence. Their focus is on building community awareness to help vulnerable residents develop friendships and get involved in outside activities, contributing to their overall health and safety. This focus is a means of empowering seniors and the physically or mentally disabled. By helping them establish relationships through community events and buddy systems, they feel less isolated and more self-assured. BWAN is committed to accessibility and equity for all its members, offering a welcoming environment that celebrates and honors diversity.

Over the years the organization has received both community and government funding to grow the program that provides full, hot, heart-healthy lunches to seniors and the disabled. They have engaged a number of volunteers (a number of which are certified food handlers) that help bring together members (who are residents of the community) for two meals per month as well as provide them with a week’s worth of fresh produce. In addition to the meal program, BWAN also organizes other activities for its members such as excursions, forums and classes.

Fresh produce, specifically potatoes, is where the connection with Ontario Potato Dist. (Alliston) 1991 (OPDI) is made. Eight years ago, Vicky purchased a bag of potatoes from a local grocer that ended up being a bad batch. Rather than go back to the retailer she contacted OPDI directly providing her very honest (and angry) feedback. In response, company president, Danny Cappuccitti responded to her personally, calling to listen to her story. After learning more about her organization and its mission, along with her commitment to the community, he became involved.

“I was personally touched by Vicky’s story,” said Danny Cappuccitti, of the encounter, “After a long conversation a friendship was formed, and we have been honoured to contribute to the BWAN for the past 2 decades.”

For the past eight years, OPDI has support the incredible efforts of BWAN by donating 200 lbs. of Champion-brand potatoes a month. The potatoes are used for the meals as well as given directly to members.

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We Believe in Giving Back to Communities

It is often said that it is better to give than to receive, and giving is something very important to us.

From our company’s President, Danny Cappuccitti, to the great people that work for us all year round, the spirit of generosity is always in the forefront.

“During this time of giving, it always heartwarming to reflect back on the number of initiatives that our family company has supported,” said Cappuccitti. “These initiatives fill an immediate need within our community and beyond that have contributed to the health and well-being of those less fortunate.”

Over the years the Cappuccitti family has lent its support to:

St. Patrick Catholic School (Wildfield) & Country Day School (King City)

Support for these schools has included the donation of team uniforms for St. Patrick; the purchase of tables at annual fundraising dinner for each school; playing an active role as a committee member on school fundraising initiatives; donating prizes and sports tickets as incentives for school fundraising endeavours (including dinner galas and silent auctions); and contributing to resource and infrastructure projects at these schools (such as the playground apparatus installation at St. Patrick’s).

“Through generations, vision, and decades of relentless hard work, the Cappuccitti family has established two highly successful companies – Ontario Potato Distribution Inc. & OPDI Logistics. I have been blessed to witness how Danny Cappuccitti & the OPDI team has generously shared their good fortune with schools, churches, and charities to help make a lasting positive impact within Ontario communities.” – Scott McLauchlan, former School Chair & Trustee, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board.

Church & Catholic Charities

The Cappuccitti family have been loyal supporters of their parish communities since childhood. They are active members and annual financial contributors to St. Patrick Church (Wildfield), as well as being long-time contributors and attendees at the Cardinal’s Dinner in support of various Catholic charities throughout the Diocese. In addition they have consistently contributed their support and products to help those in need through The Knights Table.

Ontario Lung Association

Just this past year, the Cappuccitti family has lent their generous support as a Foundational Partner and greatest financial contributor to a newly created fundraiser called the STAIR to CARE for the Ontario Lung Association. In collaboration with the Hamilton Tiger Cats. This is a stadium climb event launched as a new community-based fundraising event, to increase awareness of the importance of breathing and physical activity for everyone, including children with asthma.

“OPDI and the Cappuccitti family have been the greatest financial contributor to the Ontario Lung Association’s new STAIR to CARE stadium climb fundraising event with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. For two consecutive years, when few companies within the Greater Hamilton Area were prepared to provide support for breathing breakthroughs to the 1-in-5 Canadians now living with lung disease, Alliston-based OPDI significantly stepped up in both a compassionate and financially meaningful way.” Scott McLauchlan, Triumph Marketing – Program Co-Creator and Activation Consultation on STAIR to CARE

“While everyone at Ontario Potation Distribution (Alliston) Inc. 1991 and O.P.D.I. Logistics appreciates the recognition of these fine community organizers, we are most rewarded by the positive contributions we are fortunate enough to make,” said Danny Cappuccitti.