International Day of Potato was observed on Thursday. In December last year, the General Assembly announced that May 30 will be observed as International Potato Day every year. Potatoes rank among the top five staple food items used throughout the world. The observance will be used to underscore the importance of the crop to combating hunger and poverty and addressing environmental threats to agri food systems. It is worth mentioned here that today, there are 4,000 cultivated varieties of potatoes grown in 130 countries worldwide. In India, the story of the potato began with the early Portuguese and Dutch traders but it was the British East India Company that gave potato cultivation a big push. Globally, potato is the third most-cultivated food crop after wheat and rice. On International Day of Potato (May 30), let’s look at some of potato dishes from around the globe. Kumpir (Turkey): Originally from former Yugoslavia, the Turkish Kumpir is big baked jacket potato, stuffed with garlic butter and cheese and served with various toppings. Traditionally, potatoes are baked in special Kumpir ovens and then butter and cheese is mashed in for smooth cream consistency.

If you are ever in Istanbul, head to the Ortakoy area to eat the best Kumpir in town. Gamjajeon (Korea): Gamja (potato) and jeon (pancake) is a savoury Korean dish made by pan-frying finely grated potatoes until golden brown. Traditionally, Koreans serve gamjajeon as a main dish that features a simple potato base but it now comes in several variations. It’s commonly accompanied by dipping sauces like soy sauce mixed with vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes, enhancing the flavours of the pancake. Colcannon (Ireland): Heard of the traditional Irish song Colcannon? Did you ever eat Colcannon, made from lovely pickled cream. With the greens and scallions mingled like a picture in a dream. Did you ever make a hole on top to hold the melting flake Of the creamy, flavoured butter that your mother used to make. That’s what the Colcannon is - a buttery creamy mashed potatoes mixed with sautéed cabbage and lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. Colcannon is very similar to a Scottish dish.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan