Stroud News
Mashing it up in Merrywalks
2:00pm Tuesday 7th February 2012
SEASONED growers and eager amateurs took part in Stroud’s second ever Potato Day last weekend.
Organised by Transition Stroud and Down to Earth Co-operative, the event saw over 3,300 seed potatoes, weighing more than half a tonne, sold from stalls in Merrywalks Shopping Centre.
The potato purveyors, all of whom were volunteers, also offered advice to shoppers about how to grow their own spuds.
Councillor Phillip Booth said: "Potato day is held to encourage more people to grow their own and learn about the many different varieties of potatoes.
"There is also an issue of food security though that we will be hearing more about as oil prices climb and harvests suffer from the changing climate."
Those attending Potato Day on Saturday, February 4, were treated to delicious slices of free lemon cake, which had been made using potatoes instead of flour.
Copies of the Stroud Potato Recipe book, launched at last year’s event, were also selling like hot potatoes.
A few remaining bags of potatoes are now being sold at the Stroud Valleys Project eco-shop in Threadneedle Street.
Amanda Godber from Down to Earth said: "Everyone that came along to the stall was enthusiastic about growing their own potatoes. Lots of information was shared and I learnt a few tips too."
For more information visit: http://stroudpotatoday.blogspot.com/