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Questions and Answers
Potatoes were introduced to Europe by the ______ in the second half of the 16th century.
Potatoes were introduced to Europe by the ______ in the second half of the 16th century.
Spanish
The potato is a native plant of the Americas and was domesticated around 7,000-10,000 years ago in present-day southern Peru and extreme northwestern ______.
The potato is a native plant of the Americas and was domesticated around 7,000-10,000 years ago in present-day southern Peru and extreme northwestern ______.
Bolivia
There are over 5,000 different types of potatoes, and over 99% of them descend from varieties that originated in south-central ______.
There are over 5,000 different types of potatoes, and over 99% of them descend from varieties that originated in south-central ______.
Chile
Potatoes are mostly cross-pollinated by insects such as ______, and tubers form in response to decreasing day length.
Potatoes are mostly cross-pollinated by insects such as ______, and tubers form in response to decreasing day length.
The International Potato Center holds 4,870 types of potato germplasm, most of which are traditional ______ cultivars.
The International Potato Center holds 4,870 types of potato germplasm, most of which are traditional ______ cultivars.
The potato was slow to be adopted by European and colonial farmers, but after 1750 it became an important food staple and ______ crop.
The potato was slow to be adopted by European and colonial farmers, but after 1750 it became an important food staple and ______ crop.
Lack of genetic diversity left the crop vulnerable to disease, such as the Great Irish Famine caused by late ______.
Lack of genetic diversity left the crop vulnerable to disease, such as the Great Irish Famine caused by late ______.
In 2021, China was the world's largest producer of ______.
In 2021, China was the world's largest producer of ______.
Raw potato starch is poorly digested by humans, and nutrients decline when ______.
Raw potato starch is poorly digested by humans, and nutrients decline when ______.
Potatoes have a high glycemic index and are not considered part of the 5-A-Day program in ______.
Potatoes have a high glycemic index and are not considered part of the 5-A-Day program in ______.
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Study Notes
- The potato is a starchy root tuber and a staple food.
- It is a native plant of the Americas and was domesticated around 7,000-10,000 years ago in present-day southern Peru and extreme northwestern Bolivia.
- Potatoes were introduced to Europe by the Spanish in the second half of the 16th century.
- There are over 5,000 different types of potatoes, and over 99% of them descend from varieties that originated in south-central Chile.
- Potatoes are an essential crop in Europe and an integral part of much of the world's food supply.
- Potatoes are a nightshade in the genus Solanum and contain the toxin solanine, which is dangerous for human consumption if consumed in large amounts.
- Potato plants are herbaceous perennials that grow about 60 cm high and bear white, pink, red, blue, or purple flowers.
- Potatoes are mostly cross-pollinated by insects such as bumblebees, and tubers form in response to decreasing day length.
- There are about 5,000 potato varieties worldwide, and the major species grown worldwide is Solanum tuberosum.
- The International Potato Center holds 4,870 types of potato germplasm, most of which are traditional landrace cultivars.
- The potato was first domesticated in modern-day southern Peru and northwestern Bolivia.
- There are close to 4,000 varieties of potatoes, categorized into groups based on common characteristics.
- Potatoes are differentiated by their waxiness: floury or mealy baking potatoes have more starch than waxy boiling potatoes.
- Dozens of potato cultivars have been selectively bred specifically for their skin or flesh color.
- The introduction of the potato was responsible for a quarter of the growth in Old World population and urbanization between 1700 and 1900.
- The potato was slow to be adopted by European and colonial farmers, but after 1750 it became an important food staple and field crop.
- Lack of genetic diversity left the crop vulnerable to disease, such as the Great Irish Famine caused by late blight.
- In 2021, China was the world's largest producer of potatoes.
- A raw potato is 79% water, 17% carbohydrates, 2% protein, and contains negligible fat.
- Potatoes are a rich source of vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
- Potatoes are a starchy root vegetable rich in carbohydrates and some vitamins and minerals.
- Raw potato starch is poorly digested by humans, and nutrients decline when baked.
- Potatoes have a high glycemic index and are not considered part of the 5-A-Day program in the UK.
- Potatoes contain toxic compounds called glycoalkaloids, which can cause poisoning if consumed in high amounts.
- Potatoes are generally grown from seed potatoes, which are specifically grown to be disease-free.
- Potato growth can be divided into five phases, with tuber bulking being critical for a good yield.
- Good ground preparation, water, and weather conditions are necessary for successful potato cultivation.
- Pests and diseases such as Phytophthora infestans and potato cyst nematodes can damage potato crops.
- Potatoes are commonly treated with pesticides, with detectable traces found in 84% of samples tested.
- Rpi-blb1 is a gene that conveys resistance to potato diseases and has been introgressed from wild relatives.
- Potatoes are typically harvested using a spading fork or potato hook, or with large harvesters for commercial use.
- Curing potatoes after harvest improves skin-set and prevents infection and water-loss during storage.
- Storage facilities must be well-ventilated and maintained at temperatures near 4°C to slow sprouting and prevent starch conversion to sugar.
- Chemicals like Chlorpropham are used to suppress sprouting during storage, but alternatives like maleic hydrazide and ethylene are being explored.
- Yields vary greatly among countries, with the US having the highest average yield at 44.3 tonnes per hectare.
- Climate change is predicted to have significant effects on global potato production and disease and pest populations.
- Potatoes are a versatile food that can be prepared in many ways, including mashed, baked, boiled, fried, and as a stew ingredient.
- Potatoes are a primary ingredient in many Latin American dishes, including Peruvian cuisine and Chilean dishes like milcaos and curanto.
- In the UK, potatoes are a traditional staple in dishes like fish and chips, Sunday roast dinners, and shepherd's pie.
- Potatoes are also used for non-food purposes, like making freeze-dried products in South America.
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