Dishing the dirt

THE article ‘Who is Maris Piper?’ (February 2) was most interesting, particularly as I once had a business in the old Birmingham Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market. At that time, potatoes were still under restrictions after the Second World War. King Edward and Majestic were almost the only varieties and there were no forklifts or pallets in those days—everything had to be done by hand. Strong men were needed to handle the spuds and the dust and dirt came through the hessian sacks and went down their necks. Now, with 99% of greengrocers swallowed up by supermarkets, we have pre-packed potatoes minus the dust and dirt, washing some of their wonderful flavours down the drain. Norman Stevens, Warwickshire