Potatoes, a staple of the modern diet, are now one of the most important and widely used foods in the world. However, for centuries in the West, potatoes remained unheard of until a Spanish exploration voyage to South America changed their dietary fate. The introduction of potatoes to the European diet in the 16th century has had a lasting impact on the economies and cultures of Europe.
Potatoes Were Unknown to Europeans Before the 16th Century
Prior to the 16th century, potatoes had never been seen in the Old World. Europeans were familiar with very few crops; wheat, barley, and rye were staples of the European diet. Until this exploration voyage to South America, Europeans were completely unaware of the existence of potatoes. Historians point to Spanish exploration and colonization as the most likely source of potato crops in Europe, since potatoes natively grew in South America.
The Voyage of Spanish Explorer Francisco Pizarro to Peru
Legend has it that seeds of what we now call potatoes were brought back to Europe in 1532 by the famous Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro. On his voyage to Peru and the Incan Empire, Pizarro returned to Spain with an abundance of potatoes, otherwise known as “papas,” from the Incan language. This became known as “the papa voyage.” If this is true, and it is highly likely, it is minutely documented, then Pizarro is credited as the first person to bring potatoes to Europe.
“His voyages of exploration to Peru and the Incan Empire brought back to Europe an abundance of ‘papas’ (potatoes), and other Staples unknown to the Old World.”
– History.com
While Pizarro is the first person in recorded history to bring potatoes back to Europe, they were not initially seen with excitement. The Spanish believed them to be unhealthy, so Pizarro originally planted them in the gardens of religious retreats and convents where the food was not eaten.
Modern Variations of the Potato
Since the 16th century, the potato has been transformed into one of the most popular and versatile foods in the world. There are now more than 5,000 varieties of potatoes, ranging from purple and yellow to small and large potatoes. Further, potatoes now dominate the diet in much of Europe, as well as in Asia and North and South America. In fact, one in five people consume potatoes as a significant staple of their diet, vastly outstripping other sources of carbohydrates.
Impact on the Economy of Europe
The introduction of potatoes to Europe has had a significant, lasting impact on the economy of Europe. Due to the high yields of potatoes compared to grains, potatoes could quickly and easily help sustain a large population, something Europe was desperately in need of at the time. Before potatoes, populations in Europe were drastically limited due to famine and low crop yields.
The potato was instrumental in helping Europe and its population recover during the 19th century and the industrial revolution. Thanks to the potato, populations were increased and food surpluses became more common, leading to increased economic and population growth in the countries of Europe.
“Potatoes, now one of the most important and widely used foods in the world, remain an integral part of the European diet and economy.”
– The Diplomat Magazine
Potatoes are now a part of daily diets in many parts of the world. Today, potatoes are the third most important food crop in the world, behind only wheat and rice. Without the introduction of potatoes to Europe in the 16th century, the modern world would look drastically different.
Conclusion
Potatoes were unknown to Europeans until the 16th century, when Spanish explorers returned from their adventures in South America with potatoes in tow. The introduction of potatoes to the European diet has had profound impacts on economics, culture, and populations across Europe. Potatoes are now one of the most common foods in the world and remain a staple in many diets. Without the introduction of potatoes to Europe, the world would look drastically different.
Sources: