The Potato: an unsuspecting piece of history

What are potatoes?

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Potatoes are a  part of the Solanum Tuberosum genus, a member of the Nightshade family with other commonly known names being tomatoes or deadly nightshade. They are a tuber that originated from the Andes, where they were also domesticated leading to thousands of varieties that range from their size, shape, color, texture, starchiness, and more giving many varieties that allow it to be versatile and be used for a variety of different cuisines. 

It is considered one of the 5 most important crops in the world, with origins that are unique. Potatoes are believed to come from a hybridization event millions of years ago between a member of the nightshade family and a plant that had tubers leading to the unique plant we have now. Previously they used to need to be processed by cooking in order to be edible however with domestication new varieties do not need to be processed the same way to be consumed.

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Historical importance:

Representing fertility and abundance in parts of the Andes the potato has a rich history with cultural symbolism and even gods to represent it. It accounts for 80% of the calories consumed, helping many reach their caloric needs. It was consumed by many indigenous civilizations such as the Incas before being spread by Spanish Conquestors to Europe and through other parts of the world through trade routes.

How are potatoes farmed?

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Potatoes are grown for many different reasons. They are grown to be stored in freezers or warehouses where they are bred to have thicker skin. Some are grown to be used for processed goods that are packaged and sent to markets. While others are sold directly fresh to markets.

Potatoes can either be grown by seed or by seed potatoes. Seeds have more genetic variability while seed potatoes will be exact clones of the original potato. Whoever is used will both have their own benefits and disadvantages. Once the potato sprouts it will go into vegetative growth which is important for the formation of its tuber. Once the vegetative state slows or begins to die it is time to harvest your potatoes. In large scale production the harvesting method depends greatly on what the potatoes will be used for.

Works Cited

Beautiful free images & pictures | unsplash. (n.d.-a). https://unsplash.com/

How the potato changed the world. (n.d.-b). https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-the-potato-changed-the-world-108470605/

Kristina. (2024, August 12). The cultural significance of potato dishes across the world. Savory Suitcase. https://savorysuitcase.com/the-cultural-significance-of-potato-dishes-across-the-world/

Rosenthal, E. (2024, August 5). How potatoes are grown and sold to the public. Globe Bag. https://globebag.com/blogs/blog/how-potatoes-are-grown-and-sold-to-the-public

Sheraz, H. (2025, February 26). Everything you need to know about potatoes. Hello Potatoes. https://www.hellopotatoes.com/general/potatoes-everything/

We finally solved the mystery of how potatoes evolved. Natural History Museum. (n.d.). https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/news/2025/july/we-finally-solved-the-mystery-of-how-potatoes-evolved.html