Learn about the versatility of the potato. Understand how and why its many attributes have made it a staple on so many dinner tables throughout the world.
Throughout the course of history, potatoes have been cooked, served, and eaten in many different forms ranging from mashed to roasted. The potato, a humble tuber vegetable, holds a place in the hearts and stomachs of people all over the world.
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Potato Facts Few People Know About
Listed below are a few fun facts everyone should know about the potato.
- The historical roots of the potato can be traced back 4000 years to the Peruvians in South America.
- Potatoes can be successfully grown in outer space. In 1995, the astronauts on the space shuttle Columbia proved the potato would indeed grow in zero gravity.
- The world’s largest potato weighed in at 18 pounds, 4 ounces according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
- In 1802, President Thomas Jefferson was the first person to serve french fries in the United States.
The Potato and its Amazing Versatility as a Food Choice
Potatoes have earned their rightful place throughout history as an amazing, versatile, and deliciously edible food choice. Potatoes can be used to make many healthy types of salads. Boiled, fried, baked, roasted, mashed, scalloped, and even turned into tasty seasoned potato chips, are great ways to prepare potatoes. Potatoes blended with other vegetables, soups, and breads, are also popular ways to enjoy this delightful tuber.
Other Unique Medical Uses for the Common Potato
Throughout history potatoes were believed to have many uses that did not have anything to do with food. Potato juice was used to treat facial blemishes and sunburns. Listed below are a few other medicinal uses potatoes have been used for.
- In Shakespearian time, people called the potato the apple of love, and considered them an aphrodisiac.
- Some people believe eating potatoes can provide relief of gastrointestinal disorders.
- Topical potato preparations can be used as a hot pack to treat aches and pains.
- The potato is loaded in Vitamin C, and has been used to treat scurvy.
- While the potato uses listed above may be unproven as far as the medical community is concerned, there are many people who believe strongly in the home remedies of eating potatoes or potato juice for stomach ailments, and using topical potato salves and poultices for aches and pains.
Potatoes — Not Just for Dinner
Ever since the potatoes debut 4000 years ago, it has been a powerhouse vegetable. Many delicious, healthy, and often traditional dishes have been lovingly prepared using the very versatile potato as the main ingredient. Aside from being an excellent source of Vitamin C, the potato is also believed to have many homeopathic medicinal properties.
