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Monster Mash
Spuds we like
It may have escaped your attention, but the United Nations has declared 2008 "International Year of the Potato".
This year the European Union is paying for a 'pilot' potato processing plant in Cutervo in Peru, the middle point of a big potato-growing region in the northern highlands of the South American country.
Peru is considered, traditionally, the origin and home of the tuber. The vegetable was 'domesticated' more than 7,000 years ago in the Andes. According to the International Potato Centre, whose headquarters are near the capital, Lima, Peru can boast over 3,500 different varieties of spuds.
The venerable potato is the world's fourth-most-important food crop after maize, wheat and rice. It provides more calories more quickly using less land space and in a wider range of climates than any other plant.
It has also an important place in modern history. It promoted economic development by underpinning the industrial revolution in northern England because it was nutritional and easy to grow.
In the 16th century when the spud was first introduced to Europe it was considered an aphrodisiac.
The current expert concerning the vegetable is the British author Lindsey Bareham whose book 'In Praise of the Potato' (Penguin, £8.00) (10.40 euros) is the definitive reference.
Mashed, fried, boiled or roasted, it is a staple which even fussy vegetarians find difficult to avoid.
Marie Antoinette was an acolyte. She wore potato flowers in her hair.
PS: 'Monster Mash' was, as you well know, a 1962 hit. The singer Bobby Pickett imitated the voice of the English horror movie actor Boris Karloff. The song helped inspire the 'Mashed Potato' dance craze of the time.
