10 Questions
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 ______.
Bolivia
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.
bumblebees
The International Potato Center holds 4,870 types of potato germplasm, most of which are traditional ______ cultivars.
landrace
The potato was slow to be adopted by European and colonial farmers, but after 1750 it became an important food staple and ______ crop.
field
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
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
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.
How much do you know about the humble potato? This quiz will test your knowledge on everything from the potato's history and cultivation to its use in different cuisines and non-food products. Get ready to learn fascinating facts about this starchy root vegetable and discover why it's such an important crop worldwide. So, whether you're a potato lover or just curious about this versatile food, take the quiz and see how much you really know!
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