Photo above courtesy of Google Images
Prologue
Inspiration for love can come from the falling of autumn leaves upon a stranger’s shoulder or even in a shared cup of tea on a snowy winter day. They can be found in the most traditional of gifts or in ones that carry years of sentimental value. Sometimes the muse for a romantic gesture can even come from an imgur post many months ago.
The Potato as a Symbol of Love
As the world’s most widely consumed crop, this starchy crop is an amazing source of nutrients, including protein and amino acids. It is inexpensive, pairs well with many dishes and has been used for both scientific and medicinal concoctions. It can grow in tumultuous locations and will last for many days and is the basis for different alcohols.
Everything about the potato is useful; it can last through the winter storms; and will continue to grow even in the darkest of cupboards. The potato is and will always be a symbol of love.
For most people, a dozen roses or a box of Ferrero Rocher would be the ideal gift on Valentine’s Day or for an anniversary. Those gifts are ideal examples of beauty and pleasure that we can give to those we care about and are the epitome of the physical representation that love has been blessed with for many centuries.
However, a dozen roses eventually wither and die; a box of chocolates can grow stale and have a limit. In time, the meaning slowly erodes and what is left behind is a shadow of what used to be. And to quote the phrase that struck a chord, “My love for you is transitory and based solely on your appearance.”
The potato is nothing like that. It is a representation that our love is a representation of many ideals.
In cooking, your love provides nourishment.
In medicine, your love provides protection.
In science, your love allows us to discover more about each other.
Even through the worst of storms and darkest of places, our love and ourselves; will still continue to grow.
Although in alcohol, your love makes me drunk, reckless and open.
It is not a representation of the outward beauty that a rose would be able to convey, but of the time and moments that last forever. It can be grown mostly anywhere, be used in many applications, and at first glance may be nothing special – yet, it is.
It represents that I love you for hundreds of different reasons and that together, we can weather through any problems and shines brightly in any dish. Everyone, from the youngest of toddlers to the eldest of couples, loves someone. Love is everywhere – like a potato is.
Epilogue
This Valentine’s day, be sweet to the one you love. Treat him or her well. Whether you buy your significant other a dozen roses or a bag of potatoes (you may have to show them this article if you do), relationships require more than just flashy gifts or special occasions. They need the everyday laughs and tears that will triumph through all of life’s hardships.
