Smashing (Potatoes)

Member Name: RPnecroranger

Product:	Potatoes
Date:	22/10/08 (44 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: can be grown, versatile

Disadvantages: unless tinned, dried or frozen will need a dark breathable storage area

The humble potato. Is it really so humble?

Thousands of varieties are available, and only 80 are grown commercially (see the potato council website here : http://www.britishpotatoes.co.uk/potato-varieties/ )

I have to admit to being a little bit of a potato 'snob'. I like floury potatoes for my roast and baked potatoes, they are slightly drier in texture but make lovely crumbly, crispy roast potatoes if tossed lightly in a mix of garlic, chilli, salt & oil. You cant microwave a baked potato... thats a nuked tater! For optimum flavour have it real baked! As the butter melts over the fluffed up insides and trickles over the crispy skin its just a picture of heaven... especially as I use cheap double cream and make fresh butter (just keep mixing it with a K beater in a chef for ages)

I love waxy potatoes as pre cooked in salads and diced in stews and pasties. They keep their shape, and unless you want to use the potato as a thickener (in which case go for floury as they break up) waxy is definitely a must!

I have to admit to using the Potato councils website a lot for reference. We are looking into growing our own next year (which will be fun)

Although on the convenience side I will buy tins of new potatoes and asdas own instant mash.... YOU stand there pealing potatoes for 7!!!!!!!

Summary: versatile a staple, british to the core