What you may not know about potatoes…

Everyone knows that potatoes came from South America (specifically from Peru). Indigenous peoples have cultivated potatoes for centuries. However, there are other interesting facts that may surprise you, facts that you did not know, even though this crop is the fourth most important food in the world (right after rice, corn and wheat).

Potatoes, tubers…

Potatoes are everywhere and popular in almost every culture around the world, as evidenced by many folk names. Surprisingly, potatoes are not considered very healthy, despite the fact that they are made of up to 80% of water. Individual nutrients may vary slightly, depending how you prepare potatoes and a which variety you choose – and there are about 100 edible potato species!

Photo: Pixabay

China is the potato kings

China is the largest producer and exporter of potatoes in the world, beating powerful countries such as India, Germany, Ukraine, Russia, Poland and the United States.

Nutrients

Potatoes are a great source of vitamin B6 and potassium but they also contain many other beneficial substances such as vitamins C, E, K, magnesium and phosphorus. They also contain protein, so if you were to consume only potatoes and nothing else, you would get the necessary amount of protein and be able to maintain all important functions and survive, just like in the movie the Martian.

Despite the unpopular belief, potatoes are healthy! And are low in calories!

A medium potato contains 110 calories. The same amount of rice contains 225 calories and the same amount of pasta contains 115 calories. Potatoes are good for the stomach, spleen and intestines. They are also beneficial for your heart, digestion, boost the immune system, and maintain fluid balance.

Potatoes are used to make alcohol

Did you know that vodka, aquavit, and sometimes also rum are made from potatoes? Well, anything that contains sugar can be turned into an alcohol…

Preview photo: Pixabay