St. Patrick's Day: International Year of the Potato

By JULIETTE ROSSANT St. Patrick's Day is a fine time to consider the humble and glorious spud, so important in Irish and world history. The United Nations has designated 2008 the International Year of the Potato. Peru, where potatoes originated over 7,000 years ago in the high Andes, is celebrating more than 3,500 different varieties of potatoes. The Economist reported that: Alan García, the president, has ordered that a government-sponsored programme of free breakfasts for poor families should serve bread made from a mixture of potato flour with (expensive and mainly imported) wheat. He also wants barracks, hospitals and prisons to start serving chuño, a naturally freeze-dried potato that is traditionally eaten by Andean Indians. Boiled chuño and cheese are said to have replaced sandwiches at cabinet meetings. Look for a Peruvian road show that will include recipes by celebrity chefs. The best way to find out more about the impact of the potato on the world, pick up John Reader's excellent new book, Propitious Esculent: The Potato in World History (Heinemann 2008). The book traces the often-terrible history of the potato from Peru to Ireland and its current role in reducing worldwide hunger. It is no fault of the potato that it provides a filling, wholesome and nourishing meal, but it doubtless helped to perpetuate the Spanish exploitation of Peru's indigenous population. Sadly, the innocent potato has facilitated exploitation wherever it has been introduced and cultivated. (p. 14) Reader tells a thrilling story of intrigue and evil - a great read before you contemplate your next plate of pommes frites. Previous articles: Noreen Kinney's Irish Soda Bread FOOD FLICKS: Irish Language Lab St. Patrick's: Cat Takes the Hat [Cookbook Reviews - complete] Technorati Tags: superchefblog, Juliette Rossant, super chef, celebrities, chefs, food, restaurants, cooking, branding, cuisine, blogging, food blogging --> back to Super Chef