More Potatoes *Blog #3*

Poland is known for an assortment of Potato based dishes, ranging from the almighty Polish Potato Pancakes, to dumplings, to Vodka (which Poland first introduced). The use of the potato in many dishes has been around for hundreds of years after being introduced in the 16th century. Nutritionally, the potato supplies complex carbohydrates which are essential for energy, and is rich in the minerals iron and magnesium.Today the potato is the fifth most important crop worldwide, after wheat, corn, rice and sugar cane. But was not as welcomed after becoming accustom because of its poisonous properties and ugly appearance.  Many Polish dishes include potatoes such as potato pancakes, pierogi with potato stuffed inside, red borchst with cream and potato, and Kotlet schabowy which is a popular dinner favorite. It consists of a pork cutlet(schnitzel like) with potato, vegetables and/or cabbage. Although many Polish foods are very hearty they are quite healthy. 
2014 is forecasted to increase by 17 percent in comparison with 2013. The 2012/13 marketing year represented the first year during which the starch market operated as a free market.

Fun Facts: 
Boffins at the Institute for Tuber Science in the southern city of Gliwice have found a way to extract industrial amounts of energy from the humble potato.

Poland  imposed new bans on the cultivation of certain genetically modified strains of maize and potatoes.

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-the-potato-changed-the-world-108470605/?no-ist 

http://www.tastingpoland.com/food/polish_food_first_courses.html#schabowy

Mann, Charles C. "How the Potato Changed the World." Smithsonian. N.p., Nov. 2011. Web. 23 Apr. 2015. <http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-the-potato-changed-the-world-108470605/?no-ist>.

Berzok, Linda Murray, "Potatoes." Dictionary of American History. 2003, "potato." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th Ed.. 2014, David M. Spooner, "Potatoes." Gale Encyclopedia of U.S, "potato." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009, "potato." World Encyclopedia. 2005, Elizabeth Knowles, T., Michael Allaby, and "potato." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. "Potato." Encyclopedia.com. HighBeam Research, 01 Jan. 2003. Web. 23 Apr. 2015. <http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/potato.aspx>.