Making a round trip of over 100 miles to Ryton (near Coventry) to buy seed potatoes does seem a bit unnecessary and expensive but the event had rather more to offer than the opportunity to choose from over 100 varieties. The choice is not restricted to organically grown ones.
We were bitterly disappointed with the early reds that we bought last year because, when cooked, they disintegrated badly. The expert that we talked to explained that the floury types do that and the way to avoid that is too steam them or buy types that are more waxy. Later we attended a cooking demonstration and learned more.
The potato expert suggested several varieties, both early and main crop, that we might like to try. We bought half a dozen of several varieties in addition to our main purchase of main crop. He also suggested that we might find the cookery demonstration interesting. We were dubious but he explained that it was a double act by potato guru Alan Romans and chef Christopher Trotter. Alan ranged far and wide about all sorts of aspects relating to potatoes whilst Christopher rustled up in quick time several potato dishes that we all had a chance to sample ( we went without an evening meal as a result). Christopher explained what he was doing and why. Amongst other things he stated that he cooked floury types in water until boiling point was reached whence he switched to steaming. Presumably that saves time.
If we had got there earlier we would have had the opportunity to attend other talks or go on a tour of the gardens. Members with children will find that they are well catered for. Full details of the event can be found by clicking here. In February there are three more potato days not too far away. In fact there's a potato day and seed swap event in Huntingdon Commemoration Hall on Saturday 11th February from 10:30 organised by Cambridgeshire Self Sufficiency Group. Other details of such days can be found on by searching the Internet for potato-days.net.
Colin Saunderson
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