A NEW survey has revealed that potatoes remain as the Christmas dinner stalwart for Brits while other traditional presences on the festive plate are being replaced.
Some consumers have replaced turkey with beef or a nut roast, while others choose to have peas instead of sprouts, but more than two-thirds of Britons will not sacrifice the roast potato this Christmas and a third will be eating mash, according to the survey.
Potatoes are the non-negotiable above other festive favourites with turkey at 63% followed by gravy (52%), stuffing (49%) and pigs in blankets (48%).
The first knowledge of potatoes for Christmas dinner in England is under the reign of Queen Victoria in the 19th century, and now approximately 250 million are consumed over the festive period, with Maris Piper and Rooster now among some of the most popular varieties on the Christmas plate.
The variety of the potato is key to the perfect crispy result, says cookery writer Jenny Linford.
“Whatever else is on the plate, it’s the golden roast potatoes that all ages really look forward to. Choosing the right potato to roast this Christmas will make all the difference. Each variety has different traits that lend it to baking, boiling, mashing or roasting. Maris Piper or a heritage variety like King Edward, roasted in really hot goose fat, will give you the ultimate crispy on the outside, fluffy within. And don’t forget to make extra for easy entertaining between Christmas and new year. One of our family traditions is Boxing Day bubble and squeak with left over roasties, sprouts and bacon.”
Beyond Christmas, potatoes have had to compete for turf with pasta and rice since they entered the British culinary scene in the 1980s. However, the potato selection in many supermarkets now features a wide seasonal range from new and salad potatoes to those suited for roasting, mashing, and other culinary uses, rivalling the variety seen with rice and pasta.
“The potato is often taken for granted but it is one of the most versatile and brilliant kitchen staples. Potatoes comes in so many different types and varieties that you can eat them every day of the week but it’s like you are eating something different – a jacket potato is totally different to buttery new potatoes or gnocchi. They keep well, so can be in the fridge for any last-minute cooking, you can make a huge range of tasty dishes with leftovers so there’s no waste, and they are a brilliant natural source of nutrition and energy.”
In GB about 75% of potatoes are produced in England & Wales, with 25% coming from Scotland, and around 80% of the potatoes consumed in the UK are home-grown.
Tom Stevenson who grows many different potato varieties said: “Potatoes are a brilliant British food story. They grow well across the UK, and we are really proud to grow such an iconic vegetable, that is as much a Christmas dinner staple, as they are all year round on the plate. Beyond the traditional types, there are plenty of modern varieties – like Sagitta, Rooster, Jelly, Panther, Markies and Nemo – that roast beautifully. I would encourage people to experiment with new potato varieties and discover what they like the best.”
Chair of GB Potatoes Alex Godfrey added: “It’s fantastic to see the potato is still king of the plate at Christmas and that’s no surprise. The potato has a place in both our history and our hearts, and, frankly, no Christmas dinner would be complete without it. Our growers work very hard throughout the year to bring potatoes to tables across the country, and it’s very rewarding that of all the wonderful foods that make up the Christmas meal, potatoes are the ones that won’t be compromised on.”
Author Jenny Linford has the following festive tips …
