Where did potatoes originate? Detailed answer

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Where did potatoes originate? Detailed answer

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Where did potatoes originate?

When we talk about potatoes, we think of Ireland. There is a reason for this. The potato has played an important role in the history of Ireland. Hundreds of years ago, the population of this country was largely dependent on the potato crop as their main food. And in 1846, the entire potato crop was destroyed, and more than 600 people died of starvation!

However, having become native in Ireland, the potato did not appear there. Her homeland is the highlands of Ecuador and Peru. Even today you can find wild potatoes there. When the Spaniards arrived in Peru, they discovered the potato and took it with them to Spain in the early XNUMXth century. From Spain, it spread throughout Europe and became very popular and loved.

Some believe that the Spaniards brought the potato first to North America. But there is evidence that it was brought to New Hampshire from Ireland in 1719. The potato belongs to the nightshade family. The potato is a thickened underground root. And the "eyes" of potatoes are underdeveloped kidneys.

But today's potato is very different from its South American ancestor. Changes have been made by various cultivation methods. Those who grew potatoes constantly worked on them in order to obtain certain qualities. We wanted to get potatoes that are fruitful, resistant to diseases, long-term storage, pleasant color and shades. Therefore, only those tubers that corresponded to all these qualities were selected for seeds.

Potatoes do not grow from seeds, but from "eyes" on tubers, which are buds. These buds grow into sprouts. Potatoes have white or purple sprouts. In height, it is from 30 to 90 cm. When the tops of the bush wither and dry out, the potatoes can be harvested. Potatoes are used for food, for the production of starch and for the production of alcohol.

Author: Likum A.

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