Dec

You Say Potato . . . I Say Pomme de Terre

by Meredith Mullins on December 12, 2016

Potatoes on French market shelves, showing the cultural heritage of the potato in France. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

Potatoes taking their rightful place on French market shelves
© Meredith Mullins

How France’s Parmentier Changed the Cultural Heritage of the Potato

Imagine . . .

a world without mountains of crispy French fries,

a holiday dinner minus fluffy clouds of mashed potatoes,

a steak without a baked potato dripping with sour cream,

a plate begging for a huddle of new potatoes with a hint of parsley and butter that launches pomme de terre into the strata of haute cuisine,

silence instead of the crunch of a potato chip while watching a ball game.

The wonderful world of food would be quite different without the versatile potato.

Stuffed baked potatoes, showing the cultural heritage of the potato in France. (© Bruskov/iStock.)

The overstuffed baked potato
© Bruskov/iStock

French Roadblocks in the Potato’s Cultural Heritage

As we savor the delicious variations of potato, we don’t often think of its lineage—its cultural heritage.

But, if you’re eating a potato creation in France, a moment of tribute is in order, with a particular thank you to a pomme de terre hero—Antoine-Augustin Parmentier.

The cultural heritage of the potato in France did not have an auspicious beginning.

Potato-less cuisine was the norm for the French prior to 1785. While some parts of the world had been introduced to potatoes for many years (or thousands of years in its homeland Peru), the French did not embrace the potato’s virtues.

Potatoes were considered, at best, food for farm animals. At worst, people believed the underground tubers caused leprosy.

Fields of potato, showing the cultural heritage of the potato in France. (Image © P. Wollinga/iStock.)

Potato fields
© P. Wollinga/iStock

Parmentier: A Potato Hero

One man changed potato history in France: Antoine-Augustin Parmentier.

He is honored with a Paris metro stop (where you can learn about the history of the potato), a street name, and several statues in France.

Paris metro stop Parmentier, showing the cultural heritage of the potato in France. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

Learning about pomme de terre history at the Paris Metro Stop Parmentier
© Meredith Mullins

He is also honored by being named in several French dishes that feature potatoes such as potage Parmentier (potato and leek soup) and anything Parmentier (usually something mixed with mashed potatoes, like hachis Parmentier, which is ground meat and mashed potatoes, similar to Shepherd’s pie).

Hachis parmentier (Shepherd's Pie), showing the cultural heritage of the potato in France. (Image © mikafotostok/iStock.)

Hachis Parmentier (mashed potatoes and minced meat)
© mikafotostok/iStock

His grave in the Père Lachaise Cemetery is ringed with potato plants and, almost always, has a few potatoes placed on the gravestone ledges in tribute.

Who was Parmentier?

a. A health food promoter
b. A serious scientist
c. A hobnobber with celebrities and royalty
d. A master marketer
e. All of the above

The answer, for such a complex character, is of course “All of the above” . . . and more.

Statue of Parmentier by Albert Roze at the Parmentier metro stop, showing the cultural heritage of the potato in France. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

Statue of Parmentier giving potatoes to a peasant (by Albert Roze)
© Meredith Mullins

Parmentier was a pharmacist by trade, but, while in the army, he was captured by the Prussians during the Seven Years War.

During his imprisonment, his diet consisted almost solely of potatoes. To his surprise, he realized the tuber must be nutritious because he stayed healthy. Also to his surprise, he discovered they were pretty darn tasty (no thanks to the prison chef).

When he was released and returned to Paris, he made it his mission to alert the French to the benefits of the potato.

He did research and wrote papers, with seductive titles such as “Inquiry into Nourishing Vegetables that in Times of Necessity Could Be Substituted for Ordinary Food.”

When the papers didn’t quite convince the public, he used his master marketing skills.

Painting of Antoine Parmentier by François Dumont, showing the cultural heritage of the potato in France. (Painting by Françoise Dumont.)

Painting of Parmentier with a bouquet of potato blossoms (hanging at Chateau Versailles)
By François Dumont

He planted a field of potatoes in the city and posted guards so that people would think the plants were valuable. He was also clever enough to give the guards the night off so that people could steal the plants and begin to grow them as the valuable treasures they were.

He hosted sumptuous dinner parties for the Paris notables (including Benjamin Franklin) that featured a variety of potato dishes for their dining pleasure.

For his final marketing push, he gave bouquets of potato blossoms to the king and queen. He won their favor, resulting in a royal decree that the potato was now an acceptable vegetable in France.

Three kinds of potatoes, showing the cultural heritage of the potato in France. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

Three popular potatoes of the more than 300 varieties grown in France
© Meredith Mullins

A Rich Resource

Annabelle—Amandine—Belle de Fontenay—Charlotte—Chérie—Ratte—Rosella—Bintje—Marabel—Monalisa—Nicola—Agata

These are not starlet stage names. They are the names of just a few of the 300 varieties of potato grown in France.

Thanks to Parmentier’s research, we now know that potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly Vitamins B and C, magnesium, and potassium.

And thanks to Parmentier’s tireless work on behalf of the potato, France now produces more than six million tons of potatoes each year and is the primary exporter to other European countries.

Roasted potatoes, showing the cultural heritage of the potato in France. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

The traditional French roasted potatoes
© Meredith Mullins

A Lasting Friendship with the Potato

“The potato has now none but friends,” Parmentier wrote in one of his last books. His potato work was done.

The friendship is lasting. Today, most everyone in France (and beyond) is a friend of the potato, as we pay tribute to its cultural heritage by munching our French fries, potato chips, and Parmentier dishes.

The “Oh, I see” moment for me is about taking a moment to thank the dedicated hero of the pomme de terre story in France.

Sometimes you have to fight for what you believe in . . . even if it’s potatoes.

A tile representation of the potato plant at Parmentier Metro Station in Paris, showing the cultural heritage of the potato in France. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

A tile tribute to the potato at the Parmentier Metro Station in Paris
© Meredith Mullins

To read a similar story about one person’s quest to bring a food to Paris (in this case, kale), go to The Kale Project.

For a great recipe for potato leek soup, try David Lebovitz’s version.

Comment on this post below, or inspire insight with your own OIC Moment here.

Meredith Mullins 7 Comments

Cultural Heritage & Traditions/France

Dec

Creative Thinking in Copenhagen

by Joyce McGreevy on December 5, 2016

A cyclist crosses a bridge between islands in Copenhagen, an example of the Danish design that makes this city a Capital of Creative Thinking. (Image © Copenhagen Media Center and Thomas Høyrup Christensen)

Cycle from one island to another in Denmark’s capital city.
© Copenhagen Media Center/ Thomas Høyrup Christensen

The Danish Design of Everyday Life

On a map, Denmark’s 400+ islands resemble a dropped plate. It’s a fitting symbol, considering how Danish design breaks the mold. To the east spanning several islands is Copenhagen—arguably, the Capital of Creative Thinking.

“Danish design” connotes minimalist beauty—Arne Jacobsen’s famous “Egg” chair, Poul Henningsen’s pendant lamps, and other streamlined functional objects.

It doesn’t take a tour of Designmuseum Danmark to recognize that Copenhageners appreciate sophisticated simplicity.

Examples of minimalist furniture and lighting, that reflects the creative thinking of Danish design. (Image © Copenhagen Media Center and Morten Bjarnhof)

Danish design is known the world over.
© Copenhagen Media Center/ Morten Bjarnhof

But Danish design also encompasses creative ideas for everything from transportation to work-life balance, making Copenhagen one of the most livable cities in the world.

City of Cyclists

One of the first things you see are thousands of people crisscrossing the city on bikes. (Don’t mistake a bike lane for a sidewalk though, or it’ll be the last thing you see.) Last year Copenhagen cycled past Amsterdam to claim the title of world’s most bike-friendly city.

Cyclists and pedestrians cross a car-free bridge in Copenhagen, where creative thinking and Danish design influence the daily commute. (Image © Copenhagen Media Center and Thomas Rousing)

There are five times more bikes than cars in Copenhagen.
© Copenhagen Media Center/ Thomas Rousing

More than 60% of Copenhageners use bikes to commute to work, cart around groceries, and attend social gatherings. Politicians cycle to parliament at Christiansborg Castle (a.k.a. “Borgen”). The Crown Prince and Princess shuttle the kids to school in a cargo bike.

The Cykelslangen or "Bicycle Snake" in Copenhagen, is a cycle superhighway that reflects Danish design and creative thinking. (Image © Ursula Bach)

The Cykelslangen or “Bicycle Snake,” offers a shortcut, great views, and optimal traction.
© Ursula Bach

It helps that Denmark is flat as thin-sliced rye, its highest point 560 feet above sea level. Another advantage: a network of 28 bike-only highways. By improving health and reducing vehicle-related costs, the Cycle Superhighway could cut annual public expenditure by 40.3 million euros ($42M).

Libraries for Time Travelers

Danish design integrates past and present. Take Copenhagen’s Royal Danish Library, for example. From the half-hidden garden at Slotsholmen, it’s a red-brick National Romantic style building (1906), a sanctuary of silent hallways, long desks, and rare books, some over 900 years old.

The Royal Library Garden view of the 1906 Royal Library in Copenhagen reflects the Danish design and creative thinking of "Romantic Nationalist" architecture. (Image © Copenhagen Media Center and Martin Heiberg)

Hidden from the main streets behind Copenhagen’s Parliament is the Royal Library Garden.
© Copenhagen Media Center/ Martin Heiberg

Then a wooden walkway leads you into the ultramodern wing, a soaring, glass atrium framed by wave-like balconies. Ribbons of sunlight direct your attention to steeply ramped escalators below.

You are standing in the heart of the “Black Diamond.”

An interior view of the Black Diamond, an ultramodern extension of the Danish Royal Library in Copenhagen, showcases Danish design and creative thinking. (Image © Copenhagen Media Center and Nicolai Perjesi)

Book it to Copenhagen to check out this library.
© Copenhagen Media Center/ Nicolai Perjesi

A breathtaking trapezoidal structure of black granite and glass, the Black Diamond extends the old library to the waterfront. It also features a 600-seat concert hall, restaurants, and a bookshop.

The Black Diamond in Copenhagen reflects both sunlight and the creative thinking of Danish design. (Image © Copenhagen Media Center and Ty Stange)

Take a beach chair, book, beer or coffee, and relax like a local beside the library.
© Copenhagen Media Center/ Ty Stange

But that’s not the end of the time travel. Because in Denmark, citizens can use RFID-enabled cards to visit nearly 200 libraries even when staff are not on duty.

Balancing Budgets and Diets

Copenhagen can be expensive. But it’s bemusing when tourists name-drop Copenhagen’s five-star hotels—and then complain about the cost of a beer.

A gargoyle of a crab in Copenhagen shows how humor and creative thinking influence Danish design. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

Only a gargoyle could be crabby in Copenhagen.
© Joyce McGreevy

As Copenhageners know, it’s all about balance. My budget apartment in the fashionable Frederiksberg neighborhood offered a wealth of extras, including a high-tech laundry and a charming balcony garden that writers usually only have in movies. With nearby parks and public transportation, it’s hard to go wrong.

Smørrbrød, or Danish open sandwiches, at Torvehallerne Market, Copenhagen, shows that creative thinking in Danish design extends to Nordic cuisine. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

“S’more smørrbrød, please!” Torvehallerne Market makes fine dining affordable.
© Joyce McGreevy

So spending a few kroner more for smørrebrød, the traditional Danish open sandwich, won’t break the bank. Besides, that higher tab ensures workers a living wage. As for beer, do as locals do: buy a cold one at a convenience store, sit beside the canal (yes, it’s legal), and enjoy the view. It’s free.

A view of Trangraven, Copenhagen shows how Danish design and creative thinking work in tandem with nature. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

Cashless in Copenhagen

(Danish designed paper currency and coins may be phased out by 2025, as creative thinking influences monetary policy.

Most Danes pay by mobile phone, not kroner.

Speaking of balancing budgets, Denmark is getting rid of money.

Danes use cash for less than 6% of all payments.

Now the city that accepts mobile payments for even the smallest purchases is set to become the first world capital of cashless society.

Critics raise concerns about fraud and institutional control. Supporters say phasing out currency and coins will reduce tax fraud, disrupt black markets, and save millions in minting costs.

It’s Easier Being Green

Copenhagen is on track to become carbon-neutral by 2025. More than 40% of Denmark’s electricity is powered by renewable energy sources. Plans to switch bus lines to biogas or electricity will reduce carbon emissions another 20%.

Windmills on Copenhagen's urban horizon exemplify how creative thinking and Danish design affect energy policy. (Image © Kontraframe)

By 2020, 50% of Copenhagen’s energy will come from wind power.
© Kontraframe

Denmark discourages gasoline consumption with a whopping 180% tax on new cars, but waives this for electric vehicles. Drivers of EVs also enjoy free city parking. Hear that, U.S. cities?

Organic produce at Torvehallerne Market, Copenhagen suggests the creative thinking and Danish design of Nordic cuisine. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

Danish Designed Attitudes

What about Denmark’s reputation as the happiest place on earth?

“I think you mean Disneyland,” says local guide Rekke, citing the place inspired by Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens.

The carousel at Tivoli, the amusement park in Copenhagen, is an icon of Danish design and creative thinking. (Image © Copenhagen Media Center and Anders Bøgild)

She jokes that Hans Christian Anderson, Danish fairytale author and erstwhile Copenhagen resident, invented the genre known as “Nordic Noir.” As evidence, Rekke cites the grim ending of the original “Little Mermaid.”

The final resting place of Hans Christian Andersen is a reminder of this author's creative thinking and the uniquely Danish design of his fairytales. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

But ask Rekke, “How happy are you?” and she says, “Very. Nine out of ten.” This turns out to be a typical response in Copenhagen.

Making a Living, Having a Life

One reason is work-life balance. By four o’clock, Copenhagen is abuzz with families heading home for the evening. Overtime is discouraged, yet productivity is high.

Hence the Danish word arbejdsglæde, or “happiness at work.”

Office culture is rarely hierarchical and workers speak their minds. (Just don’t boast, even at job interviews; it’s not the Danish way.)

Outdoor diners at Papirøen, or Paper Island, a former storage facility, enjoy the benefits of Copenhagen's creative thinking toward Danish design. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

Similarly, Danish government works by way of consensus. No single party holds the majority.

In 2010 Copenhagen’s parliament inspired an idealistic TV series, Borgen, a sleeper hit worldwide. NPR called it “Denmark’s West Wing, but even better.”

Mutual trust is a fundamental Danish value. According to one EU index, voter turnout in Denmark tops 85% and 96% of Danes know someone they could rely on in time of need.

The environs Stork Fountain, Copenhagen showcases the creative thinking of Danish design. (Image © Copenhagen Media Center and Ty Stange)

Newly graduated midwives dance at Stork Fountain. In Denmark, taxes are high,
and benefits cover college tuition, medical care, and more.
© Copenhagen Media Center/ Ty Stange

Remember That Dropped Plate?

Trust may explain why one quirky custom remains popular in Copenhagen. Every New Year, Danes toss old dishes at the doors of friends. The higher the pile of broken plates, the more you’re loved.

An assortment of Nordic cuisine on Royal Copenhagen plates at Restaurant Kronberg, Copenhagen exemplifies the creative thinking of Danish design. (Image © Copenhagen Media Center and Ty Stange)

The Nordic diet emphasizes sustainably produced, fresh local foods.
© Copenhagen Media Center/ Chris Tonnesen at Restaurant Kronberg

Oh, I see: From broken plates to bicycle highways, open libraries to cashless culture, work-life balance to falling carbon levels, Copenhagen may well be the Capital of Creative Thinking. Danish design encompasses everything from environmental stewardship to freedom of expression.

Now, how does creative thinking influence your way of life?

Enroll in a free University of Copenhagen class on the Nordic diet here.

Tour the world’s most bike-friendly city here and here.

Borgen is now available on U.S. video sites.

Comment on this post below, or inspire insight with your own OIC Moment here.

Joyce McGreevy 3 Comments

Clever Ideas/Crossing Cultures/Denmark

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