Seniors' afternoon at Trummerhof: discover everything about potatoes!

Seniors' afternoon at Trummerhof: discover everything about potatoes!

On October 27, 2025, an autumn seniors' afternoon took place at the Trummerhof in Hahnbach, which was organized by the seniors' representative Brigitte Trummer. Almost 100 interested people came to find out more about the topic “Interesting facts about potatoes”. The farm boss Thomas Trummer led the event, which offered a lot of information about the history and use of the potato.

The Trummerhof specializes in potato production and presented the versatile uses of this popular vegetable. Historically, the potato was considered a “poor man's food” for a long time, but has now also established itself in gourmet cuisine. Early potatoes are harvested from the end of June, while the main harvest period is between September and October. Different types of potatoes are available - from floury to waxy.

The nutritional values ​​of potatoes

The event revealed some interesting facts regarding the nutritional values ​​of potatoes. According to kartoffelliebe.de, potatoes consist of around 80% water, they contain around 16% carbohydrates, 2% protein and 2% fiber. A raw potato has around 68 kcal per 100 g, while the calorie content of chips is significantly higher at 589 kcal per 100 g. The health risks of solanine, a natural chemical compound in potatoes, were also discussed. This substance can be harmful to health in higher concentrations, which is why correct preparation is crucial.

Participants were also able to take a tour of the farm during the seniors’ afternoon. The possibilities of a tour of the cold room, which operates at a temperature of 5 degrees, as well as the sorting system with artificial intelligence for quality control were presented. Another highlight was the presentation of freshly harvested garlic by Nicole Trummer.

Insights into the history of potatoes

The history of the potato dates back to 10,000 years, when wild forms were consumed around Lake Titicaca and on the island of Chiloé. The first cultivation attempts date back to more than 4,000 years ago, when Andean peoples cultivated the potato. The potato quickly became the staple food for the Inca, as other grains could not be cultivated in the Andes. It was only in the 16th century that Spanish sailors brought the potato to Europe, where it was initially rejected. This was due, among other things, to the fact that the above-ground fruits of the potato are poisonous.

In Germany, potato cultivation began in Pilgramsreuth in 1647, and Frederick the Great promoted its cultivation to combat famine. This initiative was shaped by the realization that potatoes were generally more productive and nutritious than many of the grains commonly used at the time. Benjamin Thompson developed “Rumford soup” in 1795, which contained potatoes, for the physical well-being of those in need.

The seniors' afternoon concluded with the solution of a potato puzzle, in which the participants had the opportunity to win a 5 kg bag of potatoes. Evi Höllerer, the 3rd mayor, warmly thanked the Trummer family for the insightful insight into farm life and the extensive presentation about potatoes.