Potatoes are delicious! They can be prepared in so many different ways. It’s a Tuberous crop and is the forth largest crop in the world. It comes after rice, wheat and corn. One can find wild potatoes growing in many parts of the world.

There are many varieties in the Andes region. The potato was first introduced to Europeans in 1536. Originally people thought the plant was poisonous. But when famines began to grip Europe in the 1770’s people began to eat them.

This was also around the time of the Little Ice Age. Because other crops could not be relied upon to grow, people turned to potatoes. The potato spread to parts of Asia later that same century. It finally reached Africa in the mid 1900’s. Now the largest producer of potatoes is China. Soon it became a food staple.

At the time there wasn’t much variation and the potato became subject to diseases. This is what happened in 1845 to Ireland. Now potatoes can be an economic benefit. It is cheap to grow and can be grown in colder climates and it is traded internationally. The potato helps make a few other items.

It can be brewed to make Vodka. It can also be used to manufacture board and paper. Potatoes are notorious for their amount of carbohydrates. But they are a great source of fiber and contain other vitamins and minerals that are helpful to the body. It has vitamins C and vitamin B6. It also has touches of iron and zinc.

The most popular brands are Russet Burbank, King Edward and Yukon gold. You can prepare these and other potatoes in a number of ways. Mashed potatoes are a popular side dish. They can also be made into French fries, and potato chips. They can also be diced, sliced, scalloped or fried. Lastly the potato has been developed into one more American icon: Mr. Potato Head. He made his debut in 1949.