Is Solanum tuberosum edible?
potato, (Solanum tuberosum), annual plant in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), grown for its starchy edible tubers. Potatoes are frequently served whole or mashed as a cooked vegetable and are also ground into potato flour, used in baking and as a thickener for sauces.
Who domesticated Solanum tuberosum?
The comfort food we know and love today as the potato was domesticated between 8,000 and 10,000 years ago from a wild species native to the Andes Mountains in southern Peru. During the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors are believed to have transported the rugged root-like vegetable across the Atlantic.
Who discovered the potato?
The Inca Indians in Peru were the first to cultivate potatoes around 8,000 BC to 5,000 B.C. In 1536 Spanish Conquistadors conquered Peru, discovered the flavors of the potato, and carried them to Europe. Sir Walter Raleigh introduced potatoes to Ireland in 1589 on the 40,000 acres of land near Cork.
What is the use of Solanum tuberosum?
22.5. Potato is mainly used as a staple food but also has a number of medicinal values. Moderate consumption of the juice from the tubers is used in the treatment of peptic ulcers, bringing relief from pain and acidity [88].
Is Solanum tuberosum herb?
Solanum tuberosum (the potato) is a perennial plant with a tuberous rootstock, growing around 1 metre tall. One of the most widely grown food plants throughout the world, the potato is a very important staple food.
What is the original ancestor that the potatoes descended from?
The story of potato started around 350 million years ago, when they started to evolve from the poisonous ancestor of the plant nightshade (this family of plants eventually evolved not only into potatoes, but also into tobacco, chili peppers, bell peppers and tomatoes).
Who introduced tomato in India?
Portuguese explorers
India. The tomato arrived in India by the way of Portuguese explorers, in the 16th century. It was grown from the 18th century onwards for the British.
Who introduced chillies in India?
After the Portuguese arrival in India, chillies were first introduced to Goa, from where they spread to South India. When the army of the Maratha king Shivaji moved north to challenge the Mughal Empire during the 17th century, the chilli was also introduced to north India.
Which country is the largest producer of potato?
China
China is now the biggest potato producer, and almost a third of all potatoes is harvested in China and India.