Potatoes

The potato is known to have been grown for the first time 7000 years ago by pre-Colombian farmers. Its name comes from the Haitian word, batata. What started out a crop in South America is now the fourth largest harvest food in the entire world. Although potatoes are considered to be a staple in the modern diet, they didn’t actually reach Europe until the 1570s when they were brought back to Spain by the Spanish conquistadors who were exploring and conquering the area of present day South America. The Spaniards saw the vegetable as a lower class food and originally used it to feed hospital inmates. As time passed, the potato became slightly more accepted and soon started to spread around Western Europe. The potato’s history in Europe is probably most noted in Ireland. Potatoes became the principle crop of the country and were grown as a basic staple food. The potato left its mark on Ireland in the 1800s when the Irish potato famine hit the country. Many starved to death in the country while an estimated 1.25 million Irish left the country in search of a new home with food. The people of Ireland had become so dependent on potatoes that it lead to the collapse of their country. Potatoes were also present in North America starting in the 1600s with the arrival of settlers. However, Potatoes gained new popularity with the large influx of Irish immigrants years down the road. The potato today has become a large part of the Western diet.

Although potatoes were originally regarded as peasant food, they are surprisingly nutritious. “Potatoes are 85 percent starch, and about 15 percent protein. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals including niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and sulfur” (42explore.com).

Because potatoes originally came from a harsh environment, they are able to grow in a variety of climates. Potatoes often need to be replanted each because although they are perennial, the actual potato you remove from the ground is the root and seed. To grow potatoes you should chop up pieces of potato and plant them eye side up. Potatoes thrive best in slightly acidic soil.

Not only can potatoes grow in a variety of climates, potatoes are also very versatile in their forms of preparation. Potatoes can be baked, boiled, fried, grilled, chopped, seasoned, or added to accompany another dish just to name a few. My personal favorite potato preparation would probably be twice baked. They combine both mashed and baked potatoes into one dish. Potatoes have always been very present in my house. We eat all different forms and types of potatoes. They’re also commonly eaten on holidays celebrated with my family. Whether twice baked, mashed or served as au gratin potatoes are a staple in my family.

The impact of the potato on the world is undeniable. From their humble beginnings as an Incan food to being one the largest crops in the world potatoes are everywhere leaving a cultural impact on a variety of societies.