When Spanish sailors brought the potato plant from South America to Europe in the 16th century, wealthy princes especially enjoyed the beautiful white, pink or purple flowers and grew them as an ornamental plant. It was largely unknown at the time that you could eat their underground tubers. It was not until the 18th century that the Prussian King Frederick the Great helped the potato achieve its culinary breakthrough. To satisfy the hunger of the population, he issued the so-called “Potato Orders”, whereby farmers were required by law to plant potatoes. The famine was overcome and the tuber began its triumphal march in Europe, which continues to this day. Why is it so? Here we share the most important facts about the large tuber.
Potatoes are a real superfood:cooked with the skin on, they contain only 70 calories per 100 grams – pasta has 150 calories – and 0.1 grams of fat. Vegetable proteins and carbohydrates also provide a long-lasting feeling of satiety.
Few calories, many minerals. The potato has a lot to offer that is good for the body. A high potassium level, for example, ensures a gentle detox and brings the acid-base balance back into balance. 100 grams of boiled potatoes with skin also contain 14 mg of vitamin C. This is healthy and strengthens the connective tissue.
Grandma knew that and it still applies:a potato wrap with warm mashed potatoes helps with a sore throat. Potatoes consist of 80 percent water and are therefore particularly good at storing heat. Because they release heat slowly, they are also great for warm wraps.
If you want to enjoy your potatoes for months, keep in mind when storing that the tubers like to keep it dark and cool. When exposed to too much light, they turn green and produce solanine. The ideal storage temperature is between eight and twelve degrees Celsius – this prevents premature germination. If green spots or buds, the so-called “potato eyes”, appear:do not panic, but cut generously. Hint: Do not store potatoes with apples, as these emit ethylene gas, which makes potatoes ripen and germinate faster.
Potatoes are among the top three foods worldwide. However, much smaller amounts of water are needed to grow them than for most other foods. One kilogram of potatoes equals about 135 liters of water. By way of comparison:a kilogram of maize consumes about 900 liters of water in the growth phase and a kilogram of rice even uses about 2,500 liters.
In terms of productivity and resilience, the potato is superior to almost all vegetables. More than 85 percent of the potato plant is suitable for human consumption. For most grains, this is only about 50 percent. The potato grows faster than many other crops, needs less space and thrives in difficult terrain. These properties distinguish them as one of the foods of the future.
In addition to all the other positive qualities, potatoes are one thing in particular:super tasty and versatile. Particularly pure as a baked potato, the super tuber can unfold its full aroma in all its beauty. Together with homemade herb butter, what seems like a simple combination becomes a taste discovery. Or how about a Swiss Rösti? Or a delicious potato salad? Potatoes are always good for a surprise!
