[tagwex]

Taken from the Irish Independent supplement.

- China is the No. 1 potato producing country in the world.
- 1,600,000 households in Ireland buy potatoes.
- 1853 was the year the potato crisp was invented in New York.
- In 1995, potatoes were grown in space, the first vegetable to be grown there.
- There are 535 commercial potato growers in Ireland.
- 8,800 hectares of potatoes grown in Ireland last year.
- 1801 was the first year French Fries were served in America.
- 2008 was the UN International Year of the Potato.
- The world's biggest potato was grown in Germany in 1997, 3.2 kg.
- The annual potato consumption of an average global citizen in the last full decade was 33kg or 73lbs.

Interesting article about Lissadell House in Sligo which is home to the largest collection of potatoes in Ireland (192 varieties). Check out a variety called Bambino! For more information see http://www.lissadellhouse.com

Also check out an interesting and informative blog written by Aoife Cox all about potatoes on http://www.thedailyspud.com

A baked potato in its skin contains more fibre than two slices of wholemeal bread.

The majority of the fibre and nutrients are concentrated just under the skin - so go easy on the peeling.

Potatoes only have 0.1g/100g of fat.

The largest potato growing counties are Donegal, Dublin, Louth, Meath and WEXFORD. Early potato production is focused in Cork, Dublin and WEXFORD. Maincrop production is focused in Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Louth, Meath and WEXFORD.

The potato is the world's fourth most important food crop after maize, wheat and rice.

[sgmgarden]

I cant believe I missed national potato day when it is my favourite vegetable! Some interesting facts there, thanks tagwex!

[tagwex]

Don't know for sure but it may only have been National Potato Day on this side of the water, if so you wouldn't have been aware of it.