The humble spud, the national dish - whatever you want to call it, today is the day to celebrate it. Farmers and food organisations are marking National Potato Day.
The day celebrates Ireland's love of the potato, which remains strong. 96.6% of all Irish households are buying potatoes in 2014 - that is 1.6 million households.
But it is not just traditional potato dishes that are finding favour with the public.
A new survey finds that traditional potato recipes are featured alongside contemporary and international dishes - including Lebanese spiced potatoes and potato and onion pakora's.
Speaking at the launch of National Potato Day, Lorcan Bourke of Bord Bia said "We know that Irish people love the potato, and while many people continue to enjoy traditional potato based meals, we are seeing increased interest in more contemporary and adventurous ways of cooking potatoes using modern ingredients and internationally influenced recipes."
"Many people do not realize that potatoes are also a very healthy option, that they are packed with natural goodness whilst also being virtually fat free," he added.
To mark the occasion, Bord Bia has released a list of interesting facts about the humble spud:
- 1580 - the year potatoes were introduced to Ireland
- China is the number 1 potato producing country in the world
- The potato was the first vegetable grown in space in 1995
- 2008 was the UN International Year of the Potato
- The average annual potato consumption in Ireland is 85kg per person, compared to just 33kg per person per annum worldwide
- Ireland produced 382,000 tonnes of potatoes in 2013
- There are now 540 potato growers in Ireland
- 1853 - the year the potato crisp was invented
