For the National Potato Day which take place today 5 October, Bord Bia has launched a Potato Survival Kit for students at Rooster Festival in Teagasc, Oak Park, Co Carlow, under the theme Imagine A World Without Potatoes, encouraging to recognise its nutritional value.
“The theme for National Potato Day 2018 is ‘Imagine A World Without Potatoes’ tying in with a global campaign which was launched by the Peruvian International Centre for Potatoes (CIP) earlier this year and will run until 2020,” said Lorcan Bourke, fresh produce and potato manager, Bord Bia.
“The initiative calls on consumers to appreciate the role potatoes have worldwide in providing employment, nourishment and food security and we are delighted for the Irish potato industry to be a part of it.”
“Despite the many myths out there, carbohydrates are not bad for you as our bodies need all the food groups. Just like with other food groups, it is the amount and type of food you eat that is important,” adds Aoife Hearne, tv dietitian and National Potato Day ambassador.
“Carbohydrates are essential for growing teenagers and should be a key ingredient in lunchboxes as it is the only energy source that is readily available for the brain to use.”
Cooking Activities
The event offers some simple cooking skills for the students made by Padraic Óg Gallagher, chef from the Temple Bar’s restaurant - Boxty House, including the most popular recipes, such as wedges, baked potatoes and rosti.
“In value for your euro, you will find it hard to beat a bag of spuds. Potatoes can be the perfect breakfast, brunch and dinner vegetable - all you need is a few simple skills and some imagination,” said Gallagher.
“After dinner the leftover cooled potatoes can be stored in either tupperware, ziplock bags or a simple container covered in clingfilm in the fridge.”
As part of the annual celebration, a range of events, talks and promotional activity is taking place around the country, including The Carlow Rooster Festival (5-7 October), Feile an Phráta’ - Dingle Food Festival (5th – 7th October) and Spud Fest, Newbridge House (6th October).
The Irish Farmers Association potato growers is also hosting a range of regional events with local schools around the country.
© 2018 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Maria Cabecos. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
