Health and Wellbeing

Irish Cuisine - Keeping it Green!

March provides the perfect month to be proudly patriotic and to celebrate our country’s culture. Indeed, with the feast day of St. Patrick falling on March 17th, this is a time when green garments are worn, Irish flags are flown and shamrocks are pinned with pride! Since the occasion also offers the perfect excuse to enjoy foods associated with traditional Irish cuisine, our Health and Wellbeing page includes a tasty Irish dairy recipe and encourages you to support local Irish farmers.

Our Pastures Green…

Ireland’s high quality soil and mild climate has ensured that our dairy industry continues to be an integral part of the Irish food sector. With dairy exports accounting for 75% of total production, our quality dairy foods are enjoyed not only on our ‘Emerald Isle’, but in many other countries worldwide.

Indeed, milk and milk products are among the main sources of dietary calcium in the Irish diet, with national surveys showing this food group to be an important contributor to the intake of calcium and other nutrients. The Department of Health and Children recommends that adults and children consume three servings of dairy per day. One serving of dairy equals 1⁄3 pint of milk, 1 carton of yogurt or 28g of cheddar-type cheese.

 

NDC: We’re Behind Local Irish Dairy Farmers – Are You?

The NDC first introduced the ‘Farmed in the Republic of Ireland’ trademark in November 2009, at a time when 81% of consumers said they believed it would be good to see a new label which showed where milk has been farmed (1). This trademark can only appear under licence on milk and cream which has been both farmed and processed in the Republic of Ireland and gives consumers the assurance that they are supporting 4,676 local jobs in dairy co-operatives and on Irish dairy farms. The mark also represents a quality product that is natural and fresh.

Following the introduction of the mark, research showed strong consumer awareness, with 82% of consumers
saying they believe the advertising asks them to look out for the NDC mark when buying milk. A further 55% of consumers stated that milk with the NDC mark is now either the only milk they would consider, or the milk they
would look out for first (2).

The new animated carton of milk is the latest addition to the NDC’s advertising campaign to build support for the ‘Farmed in the Republic of Ireland’ trademark on milk and cream products. Look out for our three new fun and ‘fresh’ cartoon ads running in rotation across all national and satellite television stations over the next seven months.

Further information on the NDC trademark, along with a full list of licensed products can be found at www.ndc.ie/NDC-Packaging-Mark.

1. BMR Business & Market Research Ltd testing, Spring 2009.
2. BMR, January 2010.

 

Paddy’s ‘Prátaí’

Potatoes (also known as prátaí ‘as Gaeilge’) are a popular food associated with the Irish food culture and remain a favourite choice for many families at lunch or dinner time. Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish that transforms plain potatoes to scrumptious spuds and is a tasty accompaniment to any meal.

Colcannon
(Serves 6-8)

You will need:
1.5kg potatoes, freshly cooked and mashed
500g cooked kale or savoy cabbage, finely shredded
25g Irish butter
230ml Irish milk or Irish single cream
6 scallions (spring onions) chopped

Method:
• Peel and boil the potatoes until very tender. Drain and mash until smooth.
• Add scallions to the milk in a small saucepan and bring to the boil. Add scallions and milk to the potato mash and beat well until fluffy.
• Mix in chopped kale/cabbage and half the butter.
• Serve by making a well in the centre of each serving and fill with a knob of Irish butter.

Did you know?

The tradition of wearing shamrock on Saint Patrick’s Day can be traced back to the early 1700s. The word ‘shamrock’ originates from the Irish word for a young clover – seamróg/ seamair óg - which grows wild throughout Ireland.

Nutri-Myth of the Month

Myth: Irish people get plenty of calcium in their diets.
Truth: According to national surveys, many age groups within the Irish population have been shown to have insufficient calcium intakes. Dairy provides a source of calcium - so make sure to consume your recommended intake of dairy each day.

 

If you have any suggestions or ideas, we would be delighted to hear from you via email at feelinggood@ndc.ie or write to us at The National Dairy Council, Innovation House, 3 Arkle Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18.

 

Don't miss our April feature ‘Spring into Action – feel ‘blooming’ brilliant!’ - available online from Monday 18th April, 2011.

 

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