The Incas referred to potatoes as “papas,” which translates as “tubers.” The earliest tubers were discovered in the Andes highlands, in what is now Peru and Bolivia. The cultivation of the tuber in that region, in hundreds upon hundreds of variants, dates back to at least 7000 years BC. However, potatoes did not taste the same back then as they do now. However, the Incas discovered that even at 3000-4000 meters in the Andes, where conventional maize would no longer grow, they could still produce useful yields using potatoes. On its way to Europe, the potato most likely earned the nickname “truffle,” or “tartufoli” in Italian. In German, the term evolved through “Tartuffeln,” “Artuffel,” “Artoffel,” and eventually “Kartoffeln.” Caspar Bauhin, a botanist, eventually named the tuber “Solanum tuberosum esculentum,” which translates as “edible, tuberous nightshade.” By above explanation, you can see we have a very long potato history.
Potatoes Are Proliferating
The potato arrived in Europe via Spain and England about the middle of the 16th century. However, because of its flower, the potato was once classified as a decorative plant rather than an agricultural product. The arrival of the potato significantly altered the globe, since many seafarers, in particular, realized that they now had an exceptionally nutrient-rich, readily storable, and healthful cuisine on board.
How Did The Potato Arrive In Germany?
Given the population’s strong aversion to “spuds,” it’s astonishing that the potato became a “people’s staple food” in Germany. This advancement may be traced to Frederick the Second of Prussia (1712-1786), who recognized the importance of the potato during a period of rapidly increasing population and many famines. Despite this, people were wary about potatoes. The reason for this was very definitely the lack of “instructions for usage”. since many of the potatoes was tested either raw or not fully ripe, and the undesired elements, which have now been bred away, did not allow the Prussians to develop a liking for them. Another issue was the agricultural practice; formerly, such a field was left fallow every three years, but now these potatoes were expected to be cultivated in that third year. As a result, Frederic the Second of Prussia devised a ruse. In 1740, he aroused the farmers’ interest by establishing potato fields in Berlin, which he then patrolled with soldiers to keep thieves at bay. Soon after, farmers began to cultivate the royal tubers, which had been covertly taken; this avoided famine in Prussia from 1740 until the end of the Seven Year War (1756-1763) and was eventually the breakthrough for potatoes.
Today’s Potato
Everyone is now aware of the immense importance of potatoes. There are 5000 cultivated kinds produced in 130 countries throughout the world. The exception is tropical and humid locations where the climate does not favor potato cultivation. It may surprise you to learn that in China, potatoes outnumber grains. The tuber is the third most-produced food in the world, after only wheat and rice.
