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A VEGGIE WITH A HISTORY
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The potato was introduced to North America by the British. Of course is started off in Central and South American, was brought to Europe and cultivated and then it made its way back across the Atlantic where it took very nicely to the Island's wonderful red soil. Potatoes were such a hit on the Island because they had perfect growing conditions. Our rich red soil made them really happy. In fact, the humble spud helped settlers survive. In the early 1800's settlers from the Scottish Highlands were brought to the Island by Lord Selkirk. For their first few years here, they pretty much survived on a diet of potatoes and cod. A real treat for us are fish cakes made from those two ingredients. This is very close to my Mom's recipe. She would make these as a special treat in the winter. We'd eat platefuls with nothing else but ketchup on the side. These are great frozen. Cook them first, then freeze them between pieces of waxed paper. Re-fry or microwave to reheat them. The potato industry as we know it today on Prince Edward Island really got underway in the 1920's. At that time two varieties, Irish Cobbler and Green Mountain, were introduced and the Island soon began producing potatoes that would quickly become world famous. Today, in mid-summer, you can stop at roadside stands and buy bags of the much coveted "new potatoes," the fresh spuds Islanders and visitors alike eagerly await. Usually, the first potatoes ready for these stands are the much-loved Irish Cobblers. These "new" potatoes are very thin-skinned and they are not for shipping or for keeping for long periods. The potatoes left in the fields until autumn develop thick skins which protect them for export. We grow organic potatoes in our own vegetable gardens with great success. And as we plant them in early summer we dream about our first feed of new potatoes. An Atlantic Canada favourite recipe for the freshest new potatoes is Hodge Podge, a simply divine dish that's very easy to make. |
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