Roast potatoes could hold secret to life on Earth

Virgin Radio

14 Aug 2023, 09:39

A recent spud-tacular discovery suggests that the process behind cooking roast potatoes could also be responsible for protecting life on Earth.

Something to make your taste buds tingle, researchers suggest that the beloved roast potato might have a deeper significance than just satisfying your cravings.

It's nothing to do with aliens by the way, just incase any conspiracy theorists out there were looking to link the humble spud to the current revelations occurring in America.

A recent study proposes that the Maillard reaction responsible for giving roast potatoes their crispy, flavourful exterior might have played a vital role in the evolution of life on our planet.

The Maillard reaction, known for creating the delicious browning effect on foods like toast, meats, and yes, our treasured roast potatoes, occurs when sugars and amino acids team up under high temperatures, above approximately 140°C.

But the intrigue doesn't stop there, scientist Caroline Peacock from the University of Leeds delved into whether this reaction could also happen at cooler temperatures, much like the seabed edges near continents.

To put this theory to the test, they enlisted the assistance of iron and manganese minerals, creating a culinary experiment that might make a potato lover ponder their own existence.

The results? Astonishing! Even at a relatively mild 10°C, the Maillard reaction revved up its impact, occurring about 100 times faster than anticipated.

But here comes the juicy part: it turns out this reaction isn't just confined to our kitchens.

The researchers found evidence of the Maillard reaction taking place on the ocean floor, where iron and manganese minerals are common.

What's the big deal, you ask? Well, this phenomenon could be a game-changer for the Earth's carbon cycle.

Imagine this: as sugars and amino acids interact with these minerals on the ocean floor, they form complex compounds that microbes find rather hard to snack on.

It's like giving your carbon molecules a protective cloak, shielding them from the microbes' voracious appetites.

As a result, this newly formed carbon duo manages to escape the usual fate of being gobbled up and exhaled as carbon dioxide, and instead gets safely stored away.

Now, let's sprinkle a bit of perspective: these savvy seabed 'spuds' could be locking away a whopping 4 million tonnes of carbon annually!

If it weren't for this flavourful mechanism, our atmosphere might have sizzled up by an extra 5°C over the past 400 million years, talk about a hot potato situation.

So, next time you're indulging in a plate of heavenly roast potatoes, take a moment to appreciate not just the taste, but the potential role these crispy delights might have played in shaping the very evolution of life right here on Earth.