## Hold the Gravy, Just Mail the Spud: The Surprisingly Long History of Mailing Potatoes
The internet loves a quirky story, and today’s offering comes from the unlikely source of… the United States Postal Service. A recently popular thread linked to the USPS’s “Facts” page highlighting a little-known, yet fascinating, fact: you can mail a potato. Yes, a plain, unadorned potato.
This isn’t some recent viral challenge; the practice actually has a surprisingly long, and somewhat humorous, history. According to the USPS, “The Postal Service does not have any regulations that specifically prohibit sending potatoes through the mail.” As long as the potato is properly addressed, has sufficient postage, and complies with general mail regulations (no hazardous materials, etc.), it can be sent just like any other package.
The resurgence of this oddball mailing practice can be traced back to a company called “Potato Parcel,” which capitalized on the novelty of sending personalized messages directly on potatoes. They popularized the trend a few years ago, offering customers the option to write messages and even add photos to russet potatoes before sending them anonymously (or not!) to friends and family.
While Potato Parcel may have been the catalyst for the potato’s postal comeback, the idea itself has deeper roots. It harkens back to a simpler time, potentially even before the advent of easily accessible packaging. The image of a farmer using a potato as a makeshift postcard, directly addressing it and dropping it off at the post office, is charming, even if slightly impractical.
But why potatoes? Well, they’re sturdy, readily available, and offer a decent surface for writing. Plus, the sheer absurdity of receiving a potato in the mail adds an element of surprise and humor. It’s a low-cost, memorable gesture that’s guaranteed to elicit a reaction.
While the USPS doesn’t explicitly endorse mailing root vegetables, their lack of regulation allows for this unusual practice to continue. Just be sure to use a permanent marker, apply enough postage to cover the weight and dimensions, and maybe consider adding a bit of cushioning to protect your potato from potential damage during its journey through the postal system.
So, the next time you’re looking for a unique way to surprise someone, consider the humble potato. Just remember to check the postage rates first – a heavy spud might cost more than you think! And who knows, you might just start a new trend in unconventional communication. Just don’t blame us if it arrives mashed.