Today’s children are well-versed in TikTok but know little about vegetables like turnips and tomatoes. While they excel on social media, their cooking skills resemble Ron Weasley’s more than Harry Potter’s and Poppy O’Toole’s.
Older generations may recall Fanny Craddock, Britain’s first celebrity chef, who aimed to tantalise taste buds with post-war recipes like cold mushroom soufflé and steamed puddings. Despite numerous chefs attempting to make cooking engaging for children, most efforts have fallen short.
The internet obsession of today’s youngsters, combined with their reluctance to eat vegetables, could be a surprising advantage. Social media influencer Poppy O’Toole rose to fame during lockdown by sharing her passion for potatoes.
Influenced by legendary TV chefs like Keith Floyd, Delia Smith, and Rick Stein, the Michelin-trained chef is now famously known as the Potato Queen. She may hold the key to encouraging a new generation to enjoy vegetables. Poppy has gathered five million followers on Instagram and TikTok by sharing easy-to-follow recipes and appetising dishes, appealing to tech-savvy kids.
She now leads Tesco’s Fruit & Veg for Schools initiative, a £4 million programme aimed at ensuring 140,000 pupils across 400 UK schools consume at least one piece of fresh fruit or veg daily. At a masterclass at Mandeville Primary School in Hackney, East London, near Fanny Craddock’s birthplace in Leytonstone, enthusiastic pupils eagerly listened to Poppy.
Poppy emphasises the versatility and excitement of fruits and vegetables. “We focus so much on protein, but there is so much you can do with veg,” she says. “From frittatas to sautéed dishes, or blended creations, vegetables offer countless possibilities. Yes, you can make delicious, wholesome meals with fruits and vegetables.”
Teaching children about the origins and benefits of food is crucial, she adds. “Picking up a chocolate bar is as easy as picking up a nectarine, but one offers far more benefits.” Birmingham-born Poppy, 30, was an executive chef at an exclusive Mayfair club when Covid-19 struck in 2020, causing her to lose her job. Encouraged by her fiancé Tom, she began creating fun, short videos about potatoes on social media.
“It was a turning point,” she recalls. “I had no followers, no plan, and no idea what I was doing. But after my first viral video, a McDonald’s hash brown recipe, my following soared. Since then, I’ve never looked back.” Poppy has since appeared on This Morning, Saturday Kitchen with Jamie Oliver, and as a judge on Young MasterChef. She has also authored best-selling books.
Reflecting on her rise to fame, she says, “My grandad Clive always believed I would do something significant. He and my nan Vicky were food enthusiasts; we watched chefs like Keith Floyd and Delia Smith together.” Her grandparents would be proud, she believes. “They would be amazed at my success.”
Poppy enjoys being recognised as the Potato Queen. “I do all my own videos, food styling, and recipes. It’s personal. The title ‘Potato Queen’ is perfect for me.” There’s certainly something regal about her mission. This article is in collaboration with Tesco’s Fruit & Veg for Schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Poppy O’Toole?
Poppy O’Toole is a Michelin-trained chef and social media influencer, known as the Potato Queen.
What is Tesco’s Fruit & Veg for Schools drive?
It’s a £4 million scheme to provide 140,000 UK students with daily fresh fruit or veg.
How did Poppy O’Toole become famous?
She gained fame by sharing potato recipes on social media during the COVID-19 lockdown.
What is Poppy’s mission with kids and vegetables?
Poppy aims to make fruits and vegetables appealing and enjoyable for kids through engaging recipes.
Why is Poppy called the Potato Queen?
She’s known for her expertise and popular recipes focused on potatoes.