One of the most important crops brought to the Old World was the potato. Nunn and Qian (2010) claim it is the crop with the largest impact on the Old World. It is a tubular with enough vitamins to prevent scurvy and enough starch and water to eat as one's only food (Mann, 2011).
Why were potatoes so important to the Old World?
It is a great source of nutrients especially for times of famine. Even before the Incas adopted the potato as their staple crop, Andean farmers had been growing the plant for centuries. It was domesticated around 10,000 BCE near the Lake Titicaca basin. night helped the tubers' growth.
Why are potatoes important?
Potatoes are a good source of fiber, which can help you lose weight by keeping you full longer. Fiber can help prevent heart disease by keeping cholesterol and blood sugar levels in check. Potatoes are also full of antioxidants that work to prevent diseases and vitamins that help your body function properly.
When were potatoes brought to the Old World?
The Inca Indians in Peru were the first to cultivate potatoes around 8,000 BC to 5,000 B.C. In 1536, Spanish Conquistadors in Peru discovered the flavors of the potato and transported them to Europe.
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