Flakes or real potatoes: why it matters

We are not accusing anyone in particular. We simply note that, according to a petition launched by aligot producers, some manufacturers, restaurateurs and market sellers make their aligot with instant mash flakes rather than real potatoes.

A petition that talks about it

This petition asks aligot makers and sellers to stop using instant mash flakes, and to go back to fresh potatoes and simple ingredients. It says roughly what we think here.

What it changes

• Taste. A real mash tastes of potato. A mix of powder and water, much less.
• Texture. It can become pasty and less supple, far from the stretching ribbon.
• Honesty. You sell a regional dish and serve a product that is much less so. The customer has the right to know.

What we ask for

Not a ban: honesty. That those who use flakes say so. That those who make a real mash say so too, and are proud of it.

How to check

An aligot made with real potatoes tastes of potato, milk and garlic. To learn to recognise it, see how to spot a real aligot at a restaurant. And if you get the chance, make it yourself: it is the best way to compare.