Origin of potatoes:
As known to us, potatoes are vegetables. However, potatoes can also fill our belly without other foods. Hence, more and more people see potatoes as one kind of staple food. Potato belongs to the kingdom plantae and it has two categories. One is that it is the plant itself and the other is the edible tuber. The cultivation of potatoes was introduced for the very first time in second half of 16th century in Europe. The crown nation which introduced potato was Spanish.
The scientific name of potato is Solanum Tubersoum and it is used as staple food in many Asian countries. A staple food is an edible that is most widely used and an important part of meal.
Nutritional Value of potatoes:
The interesting fact about potato is that it is the fourth largest food crop after maize, wheat and rice. Potatoes are rich in nutritious. Potatoes are cholesterol free and nearly half one’s daily value of vitamin C. Potatoes have more potassium than a banana. They are starch resistant and a good source of Vitamin B6, fiber, magnesium and serve as antioxidants.
Suitable seasons for the growth of potatoes:
Potatoes are grown through the summer in cool northern regions and grown in fall, winter and spring in warm winter southern regions. Potatoes require a cool but frost-free growing season of 75 to 135 or more days. China, India, Iran , Bangladesh, Turkey, Japan and Pakistan are a few of south Asian countries where potatoes grow in abundance.
Health benefits of potatoes:
If we talk about potato as a medicine it create wonders to human health. Potatoes provide immediate relief from burns. Many people in Asian countries take raw potato juice for stomach disorders and for weight loss. One of the incredible benefits of potato is that it stimulates brain function. Potatoes reduce the risk of cardiac arrest. They also help in prevention of scurvy and formation of kidney stones. Potatoes are good in fighting against cancer and facilitates digestion.
Dishes of potatoes:
Potatoes are good in taste especially when cooked with cheese or fried. Potatoes with a low starch content and high moisture include red and white potatoes. These potatoes are most often boiled or roasted and used in potato salad because of their creamy texture. In India Potato chips mixed with cashew and dried grapes is very popular. A type of potato salad made with carrots, peas, ham, various sausages, pickled fish, boiled eggs, with olive oil or mayonnaise is the favorite of kids. The most common recipe of potato is finger chips in which potatoes are sliced, then salt is sprinkled over them and later on fried in oil. This is the most favorite dish of all tastes of children and adults.
