Potato Evening in the Heart of Jõgeva’s Potato Breeding Centre

The first Estonian-language cookbook referred to the potato, following the German example, as a “ground apple.” For around a century and a half, it has been one of our local staple ingredients, and the carnival of different varieties and their flavours can leave you quite bewildered. Over more than 100 years, 49 potato varieties suited to local conditions have been bred in Jõgeva. The first was ´Kalev´, presented in 1934, and the newest is ´Varje´, introduced to the public this year. People have long debated what matters more: a high yield or good flavour. Porridge calls for a different kind of potato than salad, and restaurants look for different qualities in a variety than home cooks do.

The three-course dinner at the Potato Carnival will bring to the table different potato varieties bred in Jõgeva, with their distinctive flavours and textures. The menu was created by the chefs at Veski Guesthouse.

Potato Evening menu:
Chef’s welcome
Potato rösti cake with trout
Potato gratin, autumn pork roll, green pepper sauce
Potato pudding cake with jam

A surprise performer will provide the evening’s entertainment. Terje Tähtjärv, a researcher at the Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge, will introduce the potato varieties ´Varje´, ´Piret´ and ´Maret´ featured on the menu.

Dinner costs €55. Local wines are available from Ulge talu at an additional cost. The dinner will take place in Jõgeva alevik, in the heart of Jõgeva’s potato breeding centre, at Muru tn 3.

This dinner, featuring flavours of honey, is part of the Jõgevamaa Flavours Year programme event “4 ingredients – 4 theme days – 4 dinners”.