The Potato Story: more than just a spud
The talk will consist of:
Where the potato plant originated.
The Botany of the plant.
How potatoes reproduce.
The Nutritional value of the potato and the ignorance that some have on this matter.
The importance as a world food – “the people’s food.”
Importance in History – the story of Parmentier.
The Great Irish Famine.
Potato Breeders and new Varieties introduced in the 19th and 20th Century.
he story of John Clarke and his work with Harold Howard to breed the Maris vars.
Maurice McHenry is a retired Headteacher, former Science teacher and an active Hill farmer. He is Chairman of Ballintoy Archaeological and Historical Society and researched and wrote the story of Ireland’s first great potato breeder, John Clarke. From this arose the erection of a Blue Plaque at The Giant’s Causeway and the launch of The Northern Ireland Potato Festival which is held annually at The Giant’s Causeway on the first Saturday in October.
