Hendon is firmly on the map after Matthew potato printed his support for the humble spud on to a map of the UK. The event in Parliament was organised by the Potato Council as part of celebrations to mark this year’s Potato Week.
Matthew was quizzed at the event to test his knowledge of the health, economic and environmental benefits of potatoes before given hints and tips on how to achieve the best cooking results with potatoes. He was then treated to sticky orange potato cake – a recipe developed specially for Potato Week.
As well as being naturally fat free, on average potatoes currently make significant contributions to the nation’s daily intake of many key nutrients. Most people associate vitamin C with oranges and other citrus fruits but on average 14% of the UK’s vitamin C intake is in fact from potatoes.
Commentating after the event, Matthew said: "I am a great fan of potatoes. They have been a reliable and staple part of the British diet for hundreds of years. If cooked responsibly they are a cheap and easy source of nutrients and carbohydrate. I urge all my constituents to make the most of the British spud - but try and avoid too many chips!"
This year Potato Week was all about Maris Piper potatoes, a favourite English potato that produces excellent cooking and eating quality every time. Maris Pipers are readily available in supermarkets and greengrocers.
For recipes, potato facts and more visit www.lovepotatoes.co.uk