Stop rolling like a potato, Join the Celebration of the International Day of Potato, 30th May 2024

“avoir le patate” (French) – ‘Have the Potato’ literal meaning ‘Have a good day’.

N.B.; In December 2023, the General Assembly of the United Nations decided to dedicate a day to the humble but noble potato to raise awareness about the contribution of potatoes to the economic, nutritional, environmental, and cultural concept and to address the concerns of food security issues. 

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development or the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is about achieving the goal of ‘End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

Potato in my life.

I accidentally stumbled upon this ‘Potato Day’ and when I started researching the modest potato, it was like an inexplicable experience.

Interestingly, when I told my septuagenarian mother about the upcoming first-ever International Potato Day, she responded with a pun,’ Do potatoes also have their days?’

“Surprisingly, the potato research made my day Potato-licious.”

My daughter’s first solid food was a small mashed potato mixed with white butter.

My mother-in-law loves potatoes so much that she adds them to all her savory dishes.

Although I’m not a huge fan of potato dishes (I like my veggies), I definitely can’t say no to a hot potato dish. This tiny potato is a staple in my kitchen, and when I am too busy or tired, I just cook a simple potato curry and some rice.

A mystic list of potato dishes.

Mind-blowing and satisfying is the list of dishes made from potatoes from all over the world.

This simple brown, unshaped, tiny-eyed, starchy spud is a king on the kitchen table in my parts of the world.

Be it mashed potatoes, mashed and fried potatoes, sliced and fried potatoes, air-fried potatoes, potato curries, potatoes mixed with other veggies, potatoes mixed with animal protein, potato porridge, potato pancake, potato stuffed bread, roasted potatoes, boiled potatoes, double fried potato wedges, potato chips, jacket potatoes, hash browns, tater tots, fried potato skins, potato lasagna, potato salad, potato soup, campfire potatoes, potato pie, grilled potatoes, potato croquettes, potato casserole, potato vodka – Potatoes are the star in countless dishes. Because of their versatility and range of usefulness, the list is extensive and exuberant making it challenging to compile them all with their respective names and countries of origin.

A versatile food item and myths regarding its nutritional value.

An ordinary brown, shapeless, small-eyed, and starchy spud has been king on the kitchen table in many countries for ages.

In recent years, potatoes have been notorious for having a high glycemic index (GI), meaning they can cause a spike in blood sugar in our bodies.

People who want to maintain weight are advised to avoid potatoes because of their high carbohydrates or starch.

A study shows that eating more potatoes increases the risk of high blood pressure.

Diabetic people try to avoid potatoes, obese people are advised to stay away from potatoes, and the Gym-going community doesn’t want to see these tubers on their menus.

Potatoes are not a bad food item.

One cooked medium-sized potato (148 gm/ about 5 ounces) may contain-

Potato Journey in a nutshell-

Thanks to incredible versatility and countless dishes around the world, potatoes are said to have a bright, starchy history dating back to 10,000 years ago in present-day Peru, from where they reached Europe after Spanish intrusion in Peru in the mid-16th century.

An English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh introduced potatoes to Ireland in 1589.

White potatoes reached China in the seventeenth century (China is currently the largest producer of potatoes, covering 25.5% of the global potato production).

Potatoes reached Southern India with Portuguese explorers in the early seventeenth century and later it was distributed in Northern India by Britishers.

India is currently the second-largest potato-producing country covering 15% world-wide.

Potatoes immediately became popular not only in Europe but throughout the world.

Potatoes helped the world sail through many natural calamities like droughts and famines.

Potatoes are a valuable food source known for their extended shelf life and importance in providing sustenance.

This made them an important food source for the armies of many countries during the conflict.

Interestingly, Potatoes can be dehydrated and stored for up to 15 years.

It is much more than a great source of energy, potatoes echo human evolution, potatoes resonate with our nutritional requirements during our extreme starvation amid war, crop failure, and other natural crises.

The first-ever International Day of Potato

It is a United Nations initiative to celebrate International Potato Day to raise awareness for its integrated approach to food-related SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

We have World Food Safety Day (7th June), and World Food Day (16 October), and now we have a dedicated day for the Humble Potatoes on the 30th of May.

Potato is one of the major non-cereal crops ranked fourth globally after maize, wheat, and rice.

Potatoes may have been criticized in terms of nutrition, but the truth is that ordinary potatoes are a rich source of vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and other nutrients.

As the world is feeling the heat of food scarcity in the future, the tiny potatoes stand distinctively to address this issue.

The theme of the first International Potato Day

When I told my mother about Potato Day, she was surprised, when did Potato Day come from?

It is one of the great initiatives of the UN’s General Assembly.

Out of the above 5000 varieties of potatoes, more than 4000 belong to their native place i.e. Peru.

Potatoes are low-cost, can be grown in diverse climatic conditions, can be stored, can be dehydrated, have widespread cooking methods globally, can be found around the year, and are an Eco-friendly crop.

With a humanistic theme of this year’s International Potato Day, “ Harvesting Diversity, Feeding Hope”, we must vow to find a solution to malnutrition, starvation, food security, food availability, and food distribution universally with an eye on the spirit to conquer hunger.

Conclusion 

Touted as ‘Poor man’s friend’, Potatoes are actually beneficial for health.

Its ubiquitous presence on the dining tables of different regions tells the tales of its totality, versatility, and usability.

There is no doubt that potatoes will regain their lost pride on our plates in the future.

Lache pas la Patate – ( In Cajun and Quebec French ) – Literal meaning- Don’t let go of the potato. Real meaning – Don’t give up.