Aldi's potato guru exposes common mistakes that can ruin your dinner – and warning sign your spud isn't safe to eat
Stirling Potatoes, the Angus-based supplier to Aldi Scotland, has been running the potato business for over 27 years and has been a trusted supplier to the popular retailer for more than a decade.
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The top tattie experts, and experienced farmers, know more about the trusted spud than most.
To celebrate National Potato Day today - August 19 - boss Andrew Stirling has lifted the lid on the common slip-ups that could be costing shoppers flavour, freshness and money.
Versatile, affordable, and long-lasting, potatoes are central to hundreds of recipes and pair beautifully with everything from meats and dairy to fresh salads.
But you've got to "treat it right" to keep it fresh for longer.
Andrew said: 'Despite being one of the most widely accessible and versatile vegetables, there is still so much mystery around the beloved potato.
"However, if you treat them right, potatoes are easy to cook and delicious to taste."
He adds: "The golden rule of potato care is to keep them cool and in the dark.
'Storing them in the back of the fridge is best.
'Especially in the summer, when even in Scotland it can get too warm. That way, you can get up to 30 days of freshness.'
Andrew also revealed that there is a warning sign you should pay attention to that means your potato is no good to eat.
He said: 'If a potato has sprouted just a little, it's still perfectly safe. In fact, small sprouts can even increase the dry matter meaning a firmer, starchier spud that some people prefer.
'However, it is important to avoid sprouts that are green, or potatoes that have gone green, soft and spongy.
"Once it gets to that stage, the quality and safety have been compromised.'
Hailing from a longline of potato farmers, Andrew has over 100 recipes that proudly hero the vegetable.
He said: 'Potatoes are cost effective and can be enjoyed with so many different flavours, from cheese to beans, tuna, pulled pork, sour cream and chilli.
"I can't think of another food item that is so versatile. You can bake them, mash them, fry them and boil them – what's not to love.'
Shoppers can pick up potatoes for as little as £1.59 in Aldi Scotland.
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director at Aldi Scotland said: 'The potato is the unsung hero of the vegetable world, and we're proud to work with Stirling Potatoes, who are true experts in their field.
"We've worked closely with them for over a decade, and their commitment to excellence is evident in every spud they grow, delivering consistently high-quality produce year after year.
'It's through our strong network of local partnerships that we're able to bring customers across Scotland the freshest and tastiest food and drink at our famously low Aldi prices.
"Businesses like Stirling Potatoes don't just supply to us, they're at the heart of our success.'
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