What better way to celebrate a National Holiday than with plenty of good food, such as a traditional local dish, live folk music and gorgeous sunshine?
In honour of ‘el Dia de las Islas Canarias’, a day to enjoy the rich heritage of the Canary Islands, the shopping centre El Mirador, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, wanted to set a new Guinness World Records title for the largest serving of baked potatoes.
For this attempt a large iron cauldron, weighing 984 kg (2,169 lb 5.6 oz)and 4 m (13 ft 1.48 in) in diameter was especially made to cook the potatoes.
The potato dish in question is called 'papas arrugadas' ('wrinkly potatoes') and is typical of the Canary Islands.
Early morning on Saturday 28th May, 4 chefs set out preparing the ‘papas arrugadas’. 1,200 kg (2,645 lb 8.8 oz) of small potatoes still in their skins, along with 150 kg (330 lb 11.04 oz) of salt, and just the right amount of water, were added to the giant cauldron.
The potatoes were then covered with a large white cloth, with a few limes sprinkled on top.
The eight gas stoves underneath the cauldron were then set to work. Three hours later, the ‘papas arrugadas’ were ready.
But then came the tricky bit. In order for this to be a Guinness World Records achievement, the baked potatoes had to weigh more than a 1,000 kg(2,204 lb 9.92 oz).
Once all the water had been drained, a huge crane with a weight measuring device lifted the cauldron.
During the course of the attempt, a large crowd had gathered at the El Mirador shopping centre and now everyone was eagerly awaiting to know if this was indeed a Guinness World Records achievement.
The results were in, ... 1,116 kg (2,460 lb 5.76 oz) of ‘papas arrugadas’! El Centro Comercial el Mirador had set a new Guinness World Records title!
The potatoes were then served with a slightly spicy sauce called ‘mojo picon’ and everyone got to tuck in.
