Lab Log

Potatoes are the answer to New Year’s diets

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

As you start to recover from the over indulgence of Christmas and try to make those New Year's resolutions stick, you'll be glad to hear there is one food you don't have to steer clear of if you want to eat more healthily.

Potatoes are naturally fat free unlike other forms of carbohydrates, so are perfect for keeping the energy levels up while watching the calories.

You will also feel fuller for longer if you include potatoes in your diet as the complex carbohydrate they contain takes longer to break down. This means you're less likely to snack and will keep to your plan.

While watching your weight it is also important to keep your immune system healthy and potatoes really help to boost your nutrient intake as they are packed with vitamins and minerals.

Top potato facts:

Potatoes contain less than 1% fat - that's less than rice or pasta!
New potatoes containing just 26kcal per potato
A jacket potato contains 13 times more vitamin C than a portion of carrots, three times that in an apple, and one and a half times more than a portion of cabbage!
There is more iron in a serving of new potatoes than in a portion of steamed spinach or a pint of Guinness
There is more fibre in a jacket potato than a bowl of bran flakes
15% of the nation's vitamin C comes from potatoes

The beauty of potatoes is that they can be used in so many ways, from boiling or mashing, right through to stir fries, soups, salads and salsas.

Why not try a jacket potato with chicken stir-fry, sausage and potato casserole, or layered tuna and potato salad? For loads more healthy meal ideas, which can be made in minutes, visit our recipe section.

For further details on the benefits of eating potatoes, how to cook potatoesthem and which variety to choose visit our information section.

A Potato a Day

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In spite of a recent ruling that confirms that vitamin C can help to protect our immune system, pain killers are the most popular option to ward off a cold, according to new research commissioned by potato farmers. The research alsoshows that nearly half the adult population have had at least one day off this year for a cold, costing the British economy more than £½billion . While pain killers will help to ease the symptoms of a cold they won’t help to protect you against germs. The best way to do this is to tuck into nutrient-rich foods like potatoes.

The most popular way to ward off colds* was to take painkillers or headache tablets (44 per cent); take vitamin supplements (36 per cent); or drink orange juice (35 per cent). Meanwhile only four per cent of people said they would eat a jacket potato – in fact, respondents were four times more likely to drink a Hot Toddy than tuck into potatoes – one of the nation’s biggest sources of vitamin C.

A jacket potato contains 25mg vitamin C, almost half the adult recommended daily amount. There is 13 times more vitamin C in a jacket than in a portion of carrots, three times that found in a medium apple and one and a half times more than in a portion of cabbage. Nutritionist Fiona Hunter commented: “As vitamin C isn’t stored by the body we need to make sure that we get enough of this essential nutrient in our diet every day. One easy way to get almost half of our daily requirement of vitamin C, is to tuck into a jacket potato - simple to cook, versatile and great value too.“

The research findings come as potato farmers renew their call for potatoes to be renamed a ‘supercarb’. With 15 per cent of the nation’s entire vitamin C coming from potatoes, they say it’s clear that potatoes have so much more to offer than just a great source of energy-rich carbohydrates.

Matt Spanton, one of the farmers leading the campaign, said: “Consumers need to understand just how much vitamin C a portion of potatoes contains. Baked, mashed, boiled or roasted, a portion of potatoes provides more vitamin C than many other vegetables.”

Love Potatoes Autumn Tour

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Over the next few weeks, we will be touring the country with our Love Potatoes road show to spread the love for potatoes to younger consumers.

The road show will stop at six of the country’s biggest shopping centres and will include a packed programme of activities including cookery demonstrations, free potato samples, give-aways, top cheats and tips and a chance to enter our fantastic competition!

• Friday October 23rd 2009 - Bristol Cribbs Causeway
• Saturday October 24th 2009 - O2 Centre, London
• Friday October 30th 2009 - Newcastle Metro Centre
• Saturday October 31st 2009 - Gyle Centre, Edinburgh
• Friday November 6th 2009 - Arndale Centre, Manchester
• Saturday November 7th 2009 - Westfield Merry Hill

Farmers launch campaign to rename potato a ‘supercarb’

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Research has shown that the public don't understand the difference between vegetables and carbohydrates. Matt Spanton, one of the farmers leading the campaign, said: "The potato's rich carbohydrate content often overshadows its vegetable status. Potatoes are undoubtedly a 'supercarb'; they are packed full of energy, vitamins and minerals, fibre and, of course, are naturally fat free. We believe that the term 'supercarb' more accurately describes what we know is the nation's favourite vegetable and highlights just how much goodness potatoes contain."

Cook and TV presenter Gizzi Erskine is backing the campaign. "I love potatoes. I think the term 'supercarb' really captures all the goodness in potatoes and would help consumers to have a better understanding of this fantastically versatile vegetable. Not only are they packed full of nutrients but they are so easy to cook with too."

The research also showed that:

Nearly 80 per cent failed to recognise that a jacket potato has more vitamin C than a medium sized apple or a portion of carrots
One in three didn't realise that the fibre content in a jacket potato was more than that found in a medium orange, a portion of broccoli and a portion of cauliflower
31 per cent believed there was more iron in a portion of sweetcorn than in a jacket potato
Only one in five knew that a jacket potato contains more vitamin B1 than portion of broccoli or a portion cauliflower.

The research found that people do understand the role of vegetables within the diet - 85 per cent think vegetables are an essential part of a healthy balanced diet. But only one in three people think carbohydrates are essential and one in four actually think they are optional or unnecessary!

Dr Laura Wyness, British Nutrition Foundation Senior Nutrition Scientist, said: "The UK Eatwell Plate classifies the potato in the carbohydrate category because of its high starch content but that doesn't mean it isn't a useful source of micro-nutrients or isn't low in fat if it is boiled or baked. And of course, although it is a starchy carbohydrate, the potato is a vegetable too."

Ninety per cent of people do understand that starchy carbohydrates are important for providing energy, but they don't realise that a nutritionally balanced meal should contain some carbohydrates. Nutritionists recommend that at least 30 per cent of calories/energy should come from starchy carbohydrates such as potatoes and bread, but the survey revealed that more than one in two people thought a meal of grilled salmon steak and vegetable stir fry was nutritionally balanced even though it contains no carbohydrate.

Fiona Hunter, Consultant Nutritionist said "Potatoes are a great source of starchy carbohydrates and nutrition experts agree that most of us should eat more of them - ideally they should make up at least a third of the food we eat. To achieve this, every main meal should contain at least one starchy food like potatoes; they are a good source of energy and the main source of a range of nutrients in our diet such as fibre, B vitamins and iron."

The survey also found that three in ten people say experts like nutritionists most influence their food choice, so potato farmers are writing to nutritional and health bodies calling for a new classification of carbohydrates - 'supercarbs', of which the potato should be part.

More than a third of people think the potato should be reclassified as a 'supercarb' and four in ten said they would eat more potatoes if they were classified as a 'supercarb'. Potato farmers are calling for people to show their support for the campaign by signing their 'supercarb' petition.

Acrobat Cooks Potatoes - Standing on One Hand

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

International circus performer, Tina Tuomisto, gave Londoners a theatrical experience to show how quick and easy it is to cook potatoes. Swapping the dizzying heights of the big top for a purpose built mobile kitchen, she prepared Castilian potatoes, a recipe from our new autumn collection, whilst standing on her head!

Caroline Evans, head of marketing and corporate affairs at Potato Council said: “Tina’s health and fitness regime means that she relies on food that’s low in fat, yet high in energy and nutrients – potatoes fit the bill perfectly. Not only are packed full of goodness, they’re also quick and easy to prepare. This is why we have challenged Tina to cook them standing on one hand.”

Watch the full film here.

Hello Magazine loves our Celeb-Hangout Recipes

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Hello Magazine Online is featuring our yummy celeb-hangout recipes.

They agree that if you want to be on-trend in the kitchen this autumn, you can give your friends the star treatment - or just treat yourself - by preparing one of our quick and easy potato recipes inspired by the stars' favourite restaurants such as the Ivy, the Wolseley and Scott's.

Potatoes are this Season’s ‘Must-Have’ in Celeb Hangouts

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Glance at the menu in restaurants frequented by the likes of Cheryl Cole, Lady Gaga, Jude Law or the Beckham’s – and potatoes reign supreme. From Italian-style gnocchi to French dauphinoise, from salads to tapas, and from mash to chips - potatoes are in vogue and unlike pasta or rice, they’re naturally fat free.

Restaurant expert, Richard Harden, founder of Harden’s the definitive pocket-sized guide to restaurants in London and the UK said: “We’ve visited over a hundred restaurants for the latest Harden’s Guide and I’m not surprised to see that many celebrity hotspots have potatoes at the heart of their menus. Potatoes are universally popular whether they’re served as Lyonnais potatoes at The Wolseley, Castilian potatoes at Scott’s, in Sherpherd’s Pie at The Ivy or fat chips at Lounge 10.”

“In the restaurant business, many styles come and go but people will always go back to food that they know and love which is why potatoes are a true winner with chefs and diners. You just have to take a look at the Top 20 Most Mentioned Restaurants in our latest guide and potatoes are featured prominently on almost all of their menus. Celebrities are just like the rest of us and expect a menu to offer lots of choice with well cooked, feel-good food that can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion. The versatility and ease of cooking potatoes mean they fit the bill perfectly.”

Come dine with me
If you want to be on-trend in the kitchen this autumn without breaking the bank, you can give your friends the star treatment - or just treat yourself - by preparing a quick and easy potato-packed menu to impress: Dress potatoes up French-style, like The Wolseley’s sophisticated Lyonnais potatoes (thinly sliced and pan fried) or go for something classic, like the Ivy’s traditional Shepherd’s Pie, topped with soft, creamy mash.

Star-style potato recipes made simple:

• Shepherd’s Pie, inspired by The Ivy’s Shepherd’s Pie
• Landaise Chicken with Oven Lyonnaise-Style potatoes, inspired by The Wolseley’s, Roast Landaise Chicken with Lyonnais Potatoes
• Roasted Cod With Castilian Potatoes, inspired by Scott’s Cornish Hake with Seared Squid and Castilian Potatoes
• Smoked Haddock Fishcakes with Garlic Mayo, inspired by Lounge 10’s, Spiced Haddock Fish Cakes with Saffron and Garlic Alioli

Top 10 BBQ & Picnic Recipe Ideas

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Make the most of the sun shining and get outside this Summer! It needn’t cost much to take a day trip somewhere special if you prepare these delicious Summer picnic ideas ahead or stay in and invite some friends over for a BBQ…

Try these quick and easy recipe ideas:

Dieting mums being misled

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

For years British mums have tried diet after diet, searching the world for the perfect solution to shift those extra pounds. But as new research* by Potato Council reveals that 75% of diets are doomed to fail, could myths surrounding potatoes be partly to blame? A survey of more than 1,500 mums reveals that many wrongly believe potatoes to be fattening, and are clueless about how low in calories they actually are**.

Nearly two thirds of those questioned did not know that a new potato contains just 26kcals. Nutritionist Fiona Hunter believes misunderstanding like this, coupled with misleading advice, plays a major part in mums' failure to achieve their target weight loss: "Many of these diets are too restrictive, cutting out major foods and are actually quite boring. The research shows that mums aren't seeing these diets through, which really isn't surprising - after all, who wants to eat a meal replacement drink or cabbage soup for most of the day?

"The beauty of potatoes is that they can be used in so many ways, from the traditional methods like boiled or mashed, right through to stir fries or salsa. So instead of a boring repetitive diet that may not work, mums can actually manage their weight, and add to their meal repertoire at the same time. Many diets reinforce the view that there is a need to reduce potato consumption. In fact the opposite is true - potatoes can actually help with weight management. They are virtually fat free, low in calories and contain a range of vitamins and minerals in a nutrient dense form."

The Potato Council research found that yo-yo dieting is common amongst mums - 29% diet once a year, 20% go on two diets and a quarter go on more than three diets a year. Only one in ten mums say they have stayed the full course to reach their target weight and most stick to their diet for less than three months***.

Fiona Hunter offers the following advice to mums wishing to manage their weight:

Three weight-watching ways to enjoy potatoes

1. Add a sprig of mint in the last few minutes when boiling fresh new potatoes
2. Fill a jacket with a low fat filling like tuna in spring water with lime and coriander
3. Mash potatoes with hot skimmed milk for a light fluffy mash without butter

How to spot a 'fad' diet

- It excludes a major food group like potatoes
- If it sounds too good to be true it probably is
- If it offers rapid weight loss - the ideal of rate of weight loss is 0.5-1kg /wk

If you're looking for weight watching recipes that will keep the calories down AND taste great, why not try our Summer Chicken, Orange and Potato Salad or Mediterranean Chicken and Potato Stir Fry? For more healthy recipes and healthy cooking tips click here.

Catherine’s Tips: Potatoes for a Busy Family

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Me For a Day mum Catherine entered her family in the lifeswap with potato farmer Matt Spanton because she'd found a bag of potatoes in the kitchen she hadn't touched for 3 weeks!! Following the swap, she now has some great advice on making potatoes work for a busy family:

New or salad potatoes take little or no preparation time and cook in just 10 minutes.
Use leftover salad or new potatoes cold for lunch the next day.
You can replace pasta for potatoes in any almost any pasta dish
You get a lot of potatoes for your money!

Watch the Havers family and Matt in their Me for a Day lifeswap here