Over two-thirds of Britons are steadfastly refusing to sacrifice their roast potatoes this Christmas and a third will be eating mash, proving one of the UK’s most widely grown vegetables stands the test of time.
Potatoes are the non-negotiable above other festive favourites with turkey at 63% followed by gravy (52%), stuffing (49%) and pigs in blankets (48%).
Originally arriving on our shores from Latin America in the 1500s via Spanish merchants, our British soils proved just right, and potatoes weren’t fussy about the bouts of cold and rain.
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, whose book, Potatoes, inspires with 65 delicious ways with the humble potato from fries to pies:
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| Jenny Linford |
"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 is now very sophisticated offering 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's still 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.”
Potatoes may not always be recognised for their nutritional benefits, but they are high in Vitamin C, antioxidants and other key minerals, and provide more potassium than bananas. They're a healthy and nutritionally balanced food and can be a satiating source of low-calorie energy.
"Their health benefits can be further enhanced by certain cooking methods, such as cooling after boiling and steaming without peeling."
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 says: “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.”
“It’s fantastic to see the potato is still king of the plate at Christmas and that’s no surprise,” adds Alex Godfrey, Chair of GB Potatoes, the trade body for the potato industry. “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.”
Five ways to entertain with potatoes this festive season
By Jenny Linford
For a classy canape on New Year's Eve, serve slices of boiled salad potatoes topped with soured cream, smoked salmon and dill.
After that bracing Boxing Day walk, enjoy a warming bowl of comforting potato and leek soup. It's easy to make in advance and, if you're feeling fancy, you can serve it decorated a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives.
Give the cook a break after the Christmas Day roast and enjoy an easy meal of baked potatoes warm from the oven. Serve with cold cuts, cheeseboard cheese and chutneys and tuck in!
Top tips for best roast potatoes this Christmas from Jenny
Choose a variety that lends itself to roasting: King Edwards and Maris Piper are great and widely available.
For added luxury - and it is Christmas after all - use goose fat as your cooking fat. It has a high smoking point, which means you can roast at a high temperature and get great, golden, crispy roasties and adds a rich, savoury flavour.