Potato comes from the Spanish word “Patata”. Besides, potatoes are 80% water. Here are some more amazing potato facts:
• The potato originated in the region of southern Peru where it was first domesticated between 3000 BC and 2000 BC.
• In 1995, potato plants were taken into space with the space shuttle Columbia. This marked the first time any food was ever grown in space.
• The world’s largest potato-producing country is China.
• The potato is considered the fourth most important crop behind corn, wheat, and rice.
• Potato varieties have grown over the centuries, and there are around 100 of the edible kind.
• Over a billion people eat at least 1 potato each day.
• The sweet potato belongs in the same family as morning glories while the white potato belongs to the same group as tomatoes, tobacco, chile pepper, eggplant and the petunia.
• Potatoes can grow from sea level up to 4,700 meters (15,420 feet) above sea level.
