Fit For Fun: Potato Goodness thanks to Meade Potato Company

With potato planting beginning in earnest all around the countryside this week, it’s an apt time to look at how that perennial Irish favourite, the potato, can help in the quest to be Fit for Fun. Referred to as ‘the Perfect Carb’ by Runner’s World magazine, they are rich in starchy carbohydrates, benefitting both serious athletes and recreational exercisers.  While some other carbohydrates are over-processed and have been virtually stripped of their nutritional value, the potato stands out as an excellent source of fibre, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and even protein and iron.  And unlike rice or pasta, potatoes are essentially fat-free. 

With a high glycemic index, potatoes are absorbed into the bloodstream quicker than pasta – leading many ultra-marathoners and endurance runners to reach for a spud as they race.  If you are looking to fuel up quickly for a big race or game, spuds can provide a great energy boost.  When some fat or protein is added to the spud, the glycemic index is lowered, and it provides a slower, steadier stream of energy. 

Competition

To celebrate how great the humble potato is we have a great competition. We want to hear your best potato recipe – one that’s healthy and tasty – and will help you embark upon your Fit for Fun spring season.  The best recipe, as judged by Chef Pauric White from the Forge Restaurant, will entitle the winner to bring their class on a fun and fact-filled tour of the Meade Potato Company. 

Students will get a behind the scenes look at the hundreds of tonnes of potatoes, carrots, parsnips, apples, oranges, kiwis and more coming through the Meade Potato Company production facility each day.  See potatoes being grown on their farm, and witness how their fresh produce is graded and packed before being shipped off to retailers nationwide.  The class will learn fun, quirky facts about the fruit and veg they eat, as well as tips for staying healthy by eating your 5-a-day.  Giveaways and surprises will also feature on the day.

To enter you can post your recipe to Fit For Fun, Meath Chronicle Offices, Navan, Co. Meath or send it to us on Facebook at either the Meath Chronicle page or the Fit For Fun page.

Meade Potato Company

Meade Potato Company, based in Lobinstown, County Meath, is one of Ireland’s leading growers, packers and producers of fresh produce to the retail sector.  They employ over 200 people locally and are active in their community, sponsoring the Meath Intermediate Football Championships, the Incredible Edibles School GIY programme, the National Potato Day 5K Fun Run and much more.  Their work with community food banks has been featured on RTE’s Ear to the Ground, Eco Eye and Waste Watchers. They won the Ulster Bank National Business Award last year for Ireland’s Best Agribusiness and the Meath Business Award for Best SME.

For more information on Meade Potato Company check out their website at – www.meadepotato.com and don’t forget to pick up a copy of this week’s Meath Chronicle for the full feature on the Fit for Fun page.