Sunday 18 May 2008
Saturday 3 May 2008
Spudhunter at Lavandula last weekend
Spudhunter moved to Lavandula last weekend for their Autumn Festival. It was a great hit with the kids, and gave us an opportunity to talk with adults about the many varieties of potatoes that are grown in the region. It still amazes me just how many people think that there are only four varieties of spuds - red, white, clean and unwashed.Trentham is gearing up for their three-day feast of potatoes 23-25 May. Here's the flyer (click on the image and the full page will appear in a new window):
Thursday 1 May 2008
The Peruvian army eats potato bread
Did you know that the Peruvian army eats potato bread?
The cost of wheat has increased 35% in one year, affecting the price of bread. The constant increase in prices has had significant consequences for Peru, a country which does not produce its own wheat but has to import it.
As a reaction to the soaring prices of flour, Peruvian soldiers have begun to eat bread made from potatoes.
Since January papapan (potato bread) has also been served in prisons and some school canteens. The government wishes to save—and also promote—the cultivation of potatoes (a traditional product of the Andean region) to boost domestic agriculture, particularly in the poorest rural areas.
At the beginning of March, Plaza Vea, one of the main Peruvian supermarket chains, started selling papapan at a price of 5.10 soles (about 1.15 euros). The state-owned company making the bread bakes a range of loaves and pastries of various sizes every day.
(Extract from latest Slow Food Terra Madre newsletter http://newsletter.slowfood.com/tm/10/tmeng.html)
The cost of wheat has increased 35% in one year, affecting the price of bread. The constant increase in prices has had significant consequences for Peru, a country which does not produce its own wheat but has to import it.
As a reaction to the soaring prices of flour, Peruvian soldiers have begun to eat bread made from potatoes.
Since January papapan (potato bread) has also been served in prisons and some school canteens. The government wishes to save—and also promote—the cultivation of potatoes (a traditional product of the Andean region) to boost domestic agriculture, particularly in the poorest rural areas.
At the beginning of March, Plaza Vea, one of the main Peruvian supermarket chains, started selling papapan at a price of 5.10 soles (about 1.15 euros). The state-owned company making the bread bakes a range of loaves and pastries of various sizes every day.
(Extract from latest Slow Food Terra Madre newsletter http://newsletter.slowfood.com/tm/10/tmeng.html)
Wednesday 23 April 2008
Federation Square celebrates the spud
Between 28 April and 9 June a sculptural installation inspired by the International Year of the Potato will be exhibited at Federation Square. Following the Fed Square exhibition the giant stone sculptures created by Gippsland Sculptor John Mustears, will be installed permanently on the freeway entrance to the potato district in regional Victoria in the Shires of Baw Baw and South Gippsland.
Onsite educators guide students through an informative journey of Fed Square expanding upon important civic themes. The International Year of the Potato inspired exhibition enriches this program through its focus on international food security, sustainability and farming.
Onsite educators guide students through an informative journey of Fed Square expanding upon important civic themes. The International Year of the Potato inspired exhibition enriches this program through its focus on international food security, sustainability and farming.
Monday 31 March 2008
Sunday 30 March 2008
Dean Spud BBQ
Over 300 people joined the residents of Dean when they celebrated the installation of their new town sign and to celebrate the spud. Much else happened over the Easter weekend - we're waiting for Lyn's article. And here it is.
Dean - Big Spud Country
The beautiful volcanic soil in the Dean district, half way between Ballarat and Daylesford, is ideal for growing spuds. On Easter Saturday the biggest and heaviest spud ever seen in the area was unveiled by the Mayor of the Hepburn Shire, Cr. Tim Hayes, when he launched the new Dean sign.
The Dean Hall Committee decided four years ago that Dean needed a sign, as the standard road signs had gone missing. So Dean is now "on the map" with a huge potato at the base of the sign, the volcanic hills and poplar trees of the avenue into town depicted in metal with DEAN inscribed.
Dean residents and many visitors to the annual "Ring of Roses" Easter Show witnessed the historic moment, with Maverick the Clydesdale and the Dean Potato Fairy, Allison, and Spud the Scarecrow also present. A Big Spud BBQ followed with many different potato recipes being sampled. Of course there were local spuds for sale, a Spudhunter Competition for the young and some not so young and photos of potato growing in the Dean district.
The Dean Mechanics Institute was resplendent with art, craft, daffodil bulbs and plant stalls. A Landcare potting demonstration and the legendary Devonshire tea. was enjoyed by the hundreds of visitors over the four-day event.
The Hall Committee is planning a Big Spud Hoe-Down with lots of spud dishes on August 23rd. For more information contact Hall Secretary, Liz Kelly. The more the merrier!
Here you can see spudhunters young and old preparing for their foray to search for and identify potatoes, scary? Mr Spud Scarecrow, potato pancakes in the making, and the big boys relaxing after their BBQ.
Dean - Big Spud Country
The beautiful volcanic soil in the Dean district, half way between Ballarat and Daylesford, is ideal for growing spuds. On Easter Saturday the biggest and heaviest spud ever seen in the area was unveiled by the Mayor of the Hepburn Shire, Cr. Tim Hayes, when he launched the new Dean sign.
The Dean Hall Committee decided four years ago that Dean needed a sign, as the standard road signs had gone missing. So Dean is now "on the map" with a huge potato at the base of the sign, the volcanic hills and poplar trees of the avenue into town depicted in metal with DEAN inscribed.
Dean residents and many visitors to the annual "Ring of Roses" Easter Show witnessed the historic moment, with Maverick the Clydesdale and the Dean Potato Fairy, Allison, and Spud the Scarecrow also present. A Big Spud BBQ followed with many different potato recipes being sampled. Of course there were local spuds for sale, a Spudhunter Competition for the young and some not so young and photos of potato growing in the Dean district.
The Dean Mechanics Institute was resplendent with art, craft, daffodil bulbs and plant stalls. A Landcare potting demonstration and the legendary Devonshire tea. was enjoyed by the hundreds of visitors over the four-day event.
The Hall Committee is planning a Big Spud Hoe-Down with lots of spud dishes on August 23rd. For more information contact Hall Secretary, Liz Kelly. The more the merrier!
Here you can see spudhunters young and old preparing for their foray to search for and identify potatoes, scary? Mr Spud Scarecrow, potato pancakes in the making, and the big boys relaxing after their BBQ.
Thursday 20 March 2008
St Patrick's Day - and still the spuds grow on
Called by Fernleigh Farms on St Pat's day - the sort-of official beginning of harvest - to check on our spuds. The plants are looking fantastic. Harvest is now scheduled to take place during the Swiss Italia Festa on Sunday 20 April 10am - 5pm. There'll be tours of Fernleigh Farm at 11am and 2pm.
Also checked on the bookings for the dinner next week at the Ballarat Farm Expo - over 100 people have booked for what looks like an absolutely delicious dinner.
And during the day at the BFE kids will be able to participate in the Spudhunters program - see an earlier blog.
This Saturday is the Potato BBQ and Dean sign launch.
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