Potatoes are the world's fourth most important food crop, after wheat, rice, and corn. Potatoes, along with wheat, rice, corn, and sorghum, are known as the world's five major crops.

There is a lot of starch in the tubers of potatoes, which can provide rich calories for the human body. It is rich in protein, amino acids, and multiple vitamins and minerals, especially its vitamin content is the most complete among all food crops, in European and American countries, especially North America, the potato has long become the second staple food.

Potatoes are native to the Andes mountains of South America, and the earliest history of cultivation can be traced back to about 8000-5000 BC in southern Peru. Major potato producers include China, India, and the United States. China is the world's largest potato producer.

Potatoes were brought to Europe from South America by the Spanish in the mid-16th century. At that time, people always appreciated the beauty of its flowers and used them as decoration.

The British climate was suitable for the growth of potatoes, which had a higher yield than other grains and were easy to manage.

Later, French agronomist Ann O 'Bamanche found that potatoes could not only be eaten but also be made into bread through long-term observation and personal practice. Since then, French farmers began to grow large areas of potatoes.

Potatoes contribute to population growth. Potatoes are easy to grow, have higher yields, and have plenty of calories, so they can feed more people.

The potato indirectly drove the industrial revolution. Before the potato was introduced to Europe, most parts of Europe were poor in farming technology, the climate was not suitable for farming, population growth was slow, and crop yields were not high. The introduction of the potato led to the rapid development of European agriculture.

Agricultural production provides the economic base and cheap labor for the development of the industry. The planting of potatoes led to a rapid increase in food production. The rural population grew as food grew, creating a large amount of idle labor and becoming a source of workers.

Potatoes once caused famine. In Ireland in the 19th century, there was crop monoculture due to the over-promotion of potatoes. In 1845, a massive potato late blight outbreak led to the Irish Famine.

There are many ways to eat potatoes, of course, the most classic is baked potatoes. Here's how to make a baked potato at home:

Main ingredient:

Potatoes

Salt

Cumin powder

Ground black pepper

White sesame seed

Cooking oil