Because the potato is part of the Nightshade family, people would not eat it. It was considered peasant food for a long time. In England, the potato was not used as a food until the 18th century, even though people knew of its existence since the late 1500's! Soon it was discovered that the potato plant was easy to grow, and it grew well in cool, moist areas. It became a staple crop, particularly in Ireland.

White potatoes were brought to North America in the 1600's, but they were not considered an important crop until the Irish immigrants brought potatoes with them in the 1700's.

Did you know...?

€ Potatoes yield twice the amount of high-quality protein per acre as wheat.

€ The potato is a prime candidate for farming in outer space. On space stations, potato plants could provide nutritious food, while producing oxygen and removing carbon dioxide from the air.

€ The United States exports 8 million cubic tons of processed potatoes to Asia as "American" (not "French") fries.