You don’t have to be Irish to LOVE POTATOES, and you certainly don’t need to be Irish to celebrate St. Patricks Day!

The enduring and loyal relationship between Ireland and Potatoes has existed since they were first introduced in 1590. The 17th March is a day to reflect on how over three million Irish peasants depended on potatoes to feed them during the 1800s.

Potatoes thrived in the Ireland’s cool, moist soil and they discovered it was possible to be solely sustained on the vegetable that is rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamin c, potassium and other important nutrients. It is interesting to note that Irish peasants were actually healthier than peasants in England or Europe where bread, a far less nutritious option, was the staple food. Despite the tough times, potatoes still remain a staple food and a national symbol of hope and perseverance.

Ireland and Potatoes will forever go hand in hand. But us Kiwi’s have our own special affinity for this Powerhouse Potato. Being our #1 favourite vege they have been feeding us for thousands of years as well.

To help celebrate in true SPUDTACULAR fashion this Saint Patrick’s Day we have put together a few Irish-inspired recipes options to be washed down with a pint of Guinness!

Scroll through our ‘Travel the World, one potato recipe at a time’ page and find the three classic Irish dishes…..

• Colcannon
• Leek and Potato Soup – here.
• Potato Latkes/Healthy Hashbrowns – here.

We shared another three great recipes last year so check these out again here.

• Green-speckled Spud
• Potato Accordian
• Spinach, Potato and Feta Frittata

Here are another few recipes that we have found are either green or truely Irish inspired:

• Guinness Irish Potato Salad – here.
• Pasta with Green Beans, Potatoes and Pesto - here.
• Bubble and Squeak – here.

Ode to the Irish and Ode to Spuds. Happy St Paddy’s Day Everyone!

June is well under way and the wintery wind is biting. It is the season of hibernation for many creatures, so it makes sense that all you might want to do is wrap up in a blanket and stay inside with a satisfying and wholesome meal. This is what comfort food is. And potatoes make the best comfort food. (more…)