The Philippines has a passionate love affair with the versatile tuber known as the potato. As of 2012, Filipinos have been known to eat one hand-sized spud per meal, per day. Along the way, they have become more adventurous in their eating habits and preferences – they spend more money on trying out new food outside of home, and enjoy the abundance of raw food materials that have become increasingly available in the market for cooking and consumption. While already familiar with the russet, long white and round white potato varieties thanks to potato fries and chips products being sold locally, Filipinos are also excited to get creative with tiny fingerling potatoes, waxy red potatoes, and rare, nutty-flavored blue and purple potatoes.
The United States Embassy Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the United States Potato Board (USPB) are pleased to announce the entry of US Tablestock Potatoes in the Philippines. This means that Filipinos will get to handle russets, long whites, round whites, reds, blues, purples and fingerlings in their most natural state.
As a show of gratitude and openness towards supporters and fans of the spud, the FAS and the USPB have hosted a two-day event at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Metro Manila. A trade seminar in the first day has allowed importers, restaurant owners, chefs and members of the media and blogging communities the chance to get up close and personal with the russet, the fingerling and the petite varieties, as well as get introduced to the red, white, yellow, blue and purple types of potatoes grown in the USA. The evening cocktails held by the FAS have given these same guests the opportunity to taste and see US fresh potato delicacies over a lavish cocktail dinner where Filipino guests can also enjoy the other fine food and beverages that the USA has to offer. This special occasion, which demonstrates how US Tablestock Potatoes can be used as both light fare and all sorts of meal courses from appetizers to desserts, has been graced by no less than Ms. Sarah Reece, USPB International Marketing Manager, Tablestock Program. The growers themselves have been represented during these events, taking advantage of the chance to touch base with and thank the Philippine importers and the supporters of US Potatoes.
The culinary possibilities of US Potatoes remain endless, given their flexibility in elevating the flavor, texture, and appearance of food, allowing even the most discriminating of palates to savor it. The USPB has always believed in the work and talent of Filipinos in the food industry and has pursued in its commitment to nourish their creative spirit by providing various opportunities for chefs, caterers, and restaurant owners to explore the versatility of US Potatoes.