1) Ancient origins – Potatoes were first domesticated in the Andes Mountains of South America around 7,000–10,000 years ago. And so the legend began!
2. Global crop – Potatoes are omnipresent, grown in over 100 countries, making them one of the most widely cultivated food crops in the world.
3. Space food – Potatoes were the first vegetable grown in space (aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1995). Now, who brought the air fryer?!
4. Variety galore – There are more than 4,000 varieties of native potatoes, mostly found in South America. Imagine all the tasty possibilities. Shoutout again to Samwise, because he’s probably my favorite character in LOTR.
5. Nutrient-rich – A medium-sized potato has more potassium than a banana. To be fair, both bananas and potatoes greatly vary in size, but you get the idea.
6. Skin power – Most of the vitamins, minerals, and fiber are concentrated in the skin. So be bold and eat that sucker whole!
7. Low calorie (when plain) – A plain baked potato has only about 110 calories. It’s when you start adding outside flavors, butter, and then frying them that they become heavily fatty.
8. World’s biggest potato – The heaviest potato ever grown weighed nearly 11 pounds (5 kg), about the size of a small dog! That’s enough to feed me for at least…several hours.
9. French fry origins – Despite their name, French fries likely came from Belgium, not France. Many historians maintain that fried potatoes, or “frites” as they’re known in Belgium, originated in the Meuse Valley region, where people traditionally fried small fish but switched to potatoes when the river froze.
10. Energy source – Potatoes can generate electricity! You can use them to make a simple potato battery. Frankenstein’s Monster, this fact is for you!
11. Historic impact – The potato’s arrival in Europe in the 16th century drastically reduced famine and fueled population growth. So you might argue that potatoes helped sustain mankind as we know it.
12. Irish history – The Great Irish Famine (1845–1852) was caused by potato blight destroying crops. Life just isn’t fair all the time.
13. Alcohol source – Potatoes can be used to make vodka and other spirits. Truly, amazing. What CAN’T potatoes do?!
14. Longest fry – The world’s longest French fry measured 34 inches (86 cm) long. The fry deserves a shrine all to itself. At a minimum, a proper mantle to showcase its magnificence.
15. Cultural symbol – In Peru and Bolivia, potatoes are so important that there are festivals dedicated to celebrating them. And again, I see nothing wrong with this practice.
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