Nottingham Organic Gardeners

Wilkinson St Nottingham, NG8 5FL

Welcome to Nottingham Organic Gardeners. 

 We are a voluntary organisation, a friendly group in Nottingham, open to all.

 We aim to promote organic and sustainable gardening, and a more localised food culture. 

 We have an Organic Demonstration Garden at Whitemoor Allotments in Nottingham and hold regular talks, workshops and events with an organic theme. 

 Please note we cannot endorse or recommend specific gardening suppliers, businesses or growers.

Day 8: Starch

January 09, 2021  /  nogs website

A daily post of potato trivia introducing a potato variety a day.

Starch is a type of carbohydrate. Its molecules are made up of large numbers of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

Starch has many uses, food companies use starch to thicken processed foods, and to make sweeteners.

Other uses include the construction industry where starch is used in gypsum wallboard manufacturing ,the manufacture of adhesives and in paper manufacturing to increase the strength of paper.

Most plants, including rice, potatoes and wheat, store their energy as starch.

Starch extracted from potatoes is a gluten-free starch powder.

Starch obtained from potatoes is generally used to thicken broth, soup, any sauce or gravy and is much preferred instead of cornstarch due to its high boiling point.

To extract the starch, the potatoes are crushed, and the starch grains are released from the destroyed cells.

The starch is then washed out and dried to powder.

Today’s variety - International Kidney (Early)

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An English variety bred in 1879 that is famous for it’s flavour.

This variety is sold early in the season by Jersey growers under the trademark ‘Jersey Royal’, the potatoes can only be called Jersey Royals if they have been grown on the Island of Jersey

Tubers are kidney shaped with shallow eyes and white flesh and skin.

If picked prematurely it is a small firm, waxy potato.

When left to mature it is a large kidney.

Excellent boiled or as a salad potato.

About my January Potato Journey

I am trying to build up my horticulture knowledge, all views are my own and are intended to be in a positive spirit.

I am a member of Nottingham Organic Gardeners (NOGs)

The daily posts are hoped to feature varieties which are likely to be part of Nottingham Organic Gardeners’ Potato Day and some fun potato trivia.

Also to be my celebration of the potato and Nottingham Organic Gardeners Potato Day.

More information at

http://nottinghamorganicgardeners.com/potato-day-info

The text below is from the Nottingham Organic Gardeners’

“DUE TO LOCKDOWN ANNOUNCEMENT..

We are still definitely planning to bring potato day to you in some manner!

We have placed the order for the potatoes!

When we have them delivered and how we will get them to you will be planned soon!"

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