The Potato

The westerly wind carries a promise of winter to come, well deep fall, at least. This morning on our walk you could see your breath as the wind whipped down the northwest corridor. Even the brilliant morning sun could not completely remove the chill.

Just last week we were picking service berries in the green space behind the community garden. The spot is loaded with these delicious snacks, which also make great pies and jellies. The best part is the price, free for the picking.

Add the raspberries we gathered while walking along the marina and you can appreciate what nature truly offers. This week, I want to turn our attention to a relative of the tomato, the potato. We'll take a quick look at this exceptional plant and its many relatives before we turn our attention, next week, back to the Tale of the Three Tomatoes. The Potato family ( Nightshade family) - Solanaceae - comprises about 2500 species of plants spread all over the world but found mainly in America. Included are herbs, trees and shrubs. Many of these species are very important for mankind because of their value as food (potatoes, tomatoes , peppers, etc.,). Others because of their alkaloid properties(tobacco, deadly nightshade, thorn-apple, henbane, mandrake, etc.) and as garden plants.

Potatoes come in a large variety of colors and sizes and besides being tasty and nutritious, are used in many ways from French fries and potato salad to mashed potatoes and potato chips. I'm a big fan of baked potatoes covered in a vegetarian chilli or with hot sauce. On the remote island of Tristan da Cunha, potatoes are highly valued and have even served as a medium of exchange or currency.

Many of us know that the potato has traditional connections to Ireland but are we aware that they are also enjoyed in the Netherlands, New Zealand and Scotland as well? Our grocery store, at least here in Thunder Bay, does not reflect the diversity that potatoes offer. Another overlooked point is the economic possibilities offered by such diversity. The gourmet market is just one example of where a local grower could sell this basic food.

If you are looking to increase your ability to be self-reliant, consider growing a crop. Potatoes can be even be grown on your patio in a garbage can. Old rubber tires make an excellent container. As the plant grows you can add tires and soil.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic