Irish Love For Potatoes

POTATOES & IRELAND

Today potatoes are considered a basic necessity food across the world but the story of its origin is complex.

Popular belief has it that Sir Walter Raleigh,the famous explorer and politician brought the potato to Ireland in the 1580s. Belonging to the genus Solanum species, the spud is widely used today as a staple food in many countries including Ireland. Bake them, fry them, roast them or mash them! It won’t be an exaggeration to call it the most versatile vegetable around.

By 17th century, potato was a main crop in Ireland and by 18th century, it dominated the dining tables in Germany and England. The Great famine of 1845 and the ensuing years wreaked the Irish potato harvest and caused widespread starvation deaths and triggered emigration to countries like USA, UK, Australia. The potato famine proved to be a watershed moment in the demographic history of Ireland. Net migration in Ireland (difference between the number of immigrants and emigrants) turned positive only recently in 2015. A lasting impact indeed...

Victims of Irish Potato Famine reaching England: July 6th 1850 | Source: Photos.com/Thinkstock

Though potato does not enjoy the same relationship in the country as earlier, yet it’s place in Irish history cannot be disputed. Irish food is famous across the world for its simplicity and it meticulously follows the seasons.

POTATOES & ITS AVATAR

Potatoes are deeply anchored in the Irish food habits. Where would dishes like Champ, Corned Beef Hash, Colcannon, Boxty be without them? In fact, October 2^nd is celebrated as a National Potato Day, the annual event for Ireland’s favourite versatile food. The Irish Food Board, Bord Bia is quite actively running campaign to promote it's consumption among millennials. Over the years, the humble food has reinvented itself, appealing to people across the board...

ENJOY THE HUMBLE SPUD

Potatoes are an ideal source of antioxidants, carbohydrates, proteins, potassium (good for nerve function). Besides being so nutritious, they are also known for being low-fat and salt free. According to the famous Irish Dietician Orla Walsh, “a boiled new potato is 82% water”, thereby helping keep the body hydrated. 

Here are some tips to enjoy the versatile spud at home:

1. While buying, avoid the ones with green, black spots and sprouts or any visible tinge.
2. Keep them at cool-room temperature (6 to 10°C) in dark storage spaces.
3. Avoid keeping it in fridge. It may turn sweet and dark and may spoil the flavour.
4. Ensure good ventilation for potatoes. Keep it away from light.
5. High starch potatoes tend to break down while cooking and are fluffier (Eg. Russet Potatoes) while low starch ones maintain their shape and are creamier (Eg. Red Bliss Potatoes). Waxy potatoes are good for salads while the floury ones makes them an ideal candidate for fries or baked dishes.
6. Fruits like Apple emits ethylene gas during the ripening process. According to potato.ie, when they are kept with potatoes, apples can prevent sprouting in potatoes!!  

Because of it's nutrient values, potatoes provide a strong alternative in place of rice and pasta and have less calories. We, at Craving Dublin have selected some of the interesting Irish Potatoes Recipes you can enjoy this Spring:

1.Boxty: The holy grail of pancakes for potato admirers. It’s also known by various names like potato pancake and potato dumpling. Made of mashed potatoes, flour and butter Popular choice for St. Patrick's Day celebrations. 👇

2. Colcannon & Champ: Both Colcannon and Champ are classic mashed potato dish. Spring Onions and Butter added for flavour. Topped with Chives, these can be your ultimate side dishes 👇

3. Irish Stew: Traditionally made of Mutton, Onions and Potatoes. Parsley and Thyme adds flavours. Nothing can be more warm and filling than this delicious bowl 👇

4. Shepherd's pie: Perfect recipe to use the roasted meat. Many like to make it with beef mince or lamb. Making this dish is not that difficult. A hot favourite...

These dishes are definitely top contenders for Irish comfort foods. Potatoes fit into the modern lifestyle easily and is here to stay! Enjoy its goodness with your dear ones 😀