To celebrate National Potato Day in Cork last Friday, shoppers in Ryan’s SuperValu, Glanmire had the opportunity to sample Ireland’s iconic vegetable, thanks to Nora Sheehan, IFA National Potato vice-chairperson; Sandra Buttimer, potato grower and Ann O’Connor, IFA Farm Family chairperson for North Cork. National Potato Day is celebrated nationally as well as being a worldwide event.
Speaking to The Avondhu, Nora Sheehan said National Potato Day serves as an opportunity to spread the good word about potatoes and its many benefits.
“Our basic aim is to highlight the health benefits of potatoes. There’s been a lot lately on carbohydrates as being fattening, but the body and the brain needs carbohydrates to function. Potatoes are gluten free, they’re fat free and they’re the ultimate unprocessed food.”
HELPING DISPEL THE MYTH
Nora said the reaction from the public had been largely positive, though the bad press carbohydrates have recently received has had an impact on buying habits.
“What we’re hearing from people is that most are eating potatoes, but some of the younger generation said they weren’t eating them because they felt they were fatty. There’s a myth out there and we’re trying to dispel it.”
The nutritional benefits of potatoes are many: there is more vitamin C in a potato than there is in an orange, more fibre than an apple and more potassium than a banana.
This year’s National Potato Day, organised by Bord Bia, focused on the versatility of potatoes in cooking as well as its many health benefits.
www.potato.ie features over 120 recipes, inspired by international cuisine, which are quick to prepare in under 25 minutes and healthy, containing between 300 and 500 calories.
