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Bord Bia and Grow It Yourself (GIY) have teamed up to host a nationwide competition to dig up Ireland’s biggest spud lover and crown Ireland’s ‘‘Top Tuber’’.
Through local ‘‘Spud Off’’ competitions, SpudLove 2016 is a fun way for Irish communities to learn how to grow the many wonderful varieties of Irish potatoes. A special Spud Off tool kit has also been devised to ensure that even the greenest of growers can’t go wrong.
Following the harvesting of the potatoes, the local Spud Off will decide who has grown the best spud in the community, based on taste, texture and general spudtasticness.
This is the ideal time to sow your potatoes, according to GIY founder Michael Kelly.
“They are really straightforward – stick a spud in the ground and it turns in to a plant that produces 10 to 12 spuds. Simple as that.
“Potatoes have had a bit of a hard time of late and lots of the commentary around them is simply overhyped or untrue. Potatoes are one of the world’s healthiest foods, they are naturally fat-free and gluten-free, a great source of B and C vitamins, potassium and fibre and they really should be part of the weekly menu in every Irish household,” he said.
Decline in consumption
Lorcan Bourke of Bord Bia said: “ The potato is part of our culture like no other food, inextricably linked to Ireland’s story and part of who we are, with the industry supporting growers and businesses in communities all over Ireland. However, we still need to challenge perceptions and dispel some myths around potatoes – particularly among younger consumers – in order to combat declining consumption.”
Interested families, individuals, workplaces and groups can check out the rules and register to host a Spud Off here.
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