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Episode 4

Episode 4 of 6

A cultural history of Scotland's most important food staples. By the mid-19th century potatoes were a basic food staple, and as in Ireland, the potato famine had tragic effects.

Thar ghinealachdan agus bhliadhnachan tha cuid a bhiadh ann a th'air a bhi bunaiteach do shluagh na h-Alba. Tha Annlan a' rannsachadh sia dhiubh , mar a bha agus mar a tha iad an diugh. Anns a phrogram seo maorach agus feamainn.

A cultural history of some of Scotland's most ubiquitous and important food staples. Exploring the origins of six basic foods, their pivotal and often surprising effects on society, and their current status in a modern convenience culture.

When potatoes were originally introduced from South America, Scottish peasants angrily rejected the misshapen tubers and dumped them on their landlords' doorsteps. But by the mid-19th century they had become the basic food staple. As in Ireland, the potato famine was to have enormous and tragic consequences but the central role of the starchy, vitamin-packed plant remained unchallenged until the present day.

30 minutes

Last on

Wed 25 May 2011 22:00

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