A new study has revealed that Scots are more likely to forego alcohol or dessert than deny potatoes a place on their table.
Nearly half of those Scottish people surveyed (46 per cent) would abstain from alcohol, and 38 per cent would ditch dessert rather than have a meal without potatoes, a poll commissioned by the Potatoes: More Than A Bit On The Side campaign found.
The study - commissioned by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and Ireland’s Bord Bia - even found a number of Scottish consumers whowould choose potatoes as part of their desert island dinner (17 per cent), and on their deathbed (34 per cent). Of the sample surveyed, 91 per cent said that potatoes had to feature in at least one meal per day.
Kate Cox, marketing manager for AHDB Potatoes, said: “In 2015, it’s clear that the Scottish public still has a love affair with potatoes, and there are some meals where we expect them to be served on a regular basis. However, this nostalgic affection also brings a reputation, particularly amongst young women, that potatoes are a traditional food and not relevant in modern cooking, which is a real challenge.
“Healthy eating is paramount in today’s food market and potatoes can sometimes be forgotten in modern and ‘on trend’ recipes. They are the original superfood and it would be fantastic to see more people in Scotland creating different meals with them. Potatoes are naturally fat-free and nutritious, as well as being quick and easy to prepare and cook with.”
The EU-funded promotional campaign is geared towards making potatoes more relevant to a younger audience and encouraging the public to try new and healthy ways of incorporating them into their cooking routines.
