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 In the harsh climate of the South American Andes, few plants survive. When the Spanish first explored these highlands in the early 16th Century, however, they found vast civilizations flourishing on a set of curious crops. The swollen underground organs of these food plants made it possible for the plants (and people) to live on this tough terrain.
One of these unusual underground treasures — the potato — is now the World’s most important vegetable. In fact, the annual potato harvest is valued at over $100 billion. In the United States, Americans eat over 145 pounds (66 kg) of potatoes, in one form or another, each year. In other potato-producing regions, per capita consumption may exceed 200 pounds (100kg).
Most people mistakenly credit Ireland or Idaho as the birthplace of potatoes, but this story will reveal a much more complex history. The potato is a peculiar plant. Dig a little deeper, and your french fries will never taste the same…
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