Why Potatoes Are Amazing | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Why Potatoes Are Amazing

Yes, I actually wrote an article dedicated to potatoes.

1078
Why Potatoes Are Amazing

Everyone has a favorite food—but if your favorite food isn't potatoes, you are probably doing something wrong in your life (unless you're allergic to potatoes, in which case, I am so, so, so sorry). If you're one of the many (but lucky) people in the world who caneat potatoes, then you know just how amazing they are.

Potatoes have a long history and can be eaten in tons of different ways. They can be enjoyed plain, with salt, sour cream, cheddar cheese, ketchup, mashed with butter and chives or in smiley face fries. The possibilities are endless, and potatoes are really the most versatile food.

In honor of the guy in Australia whodecidedto go on a year-long diet of just potatoes, and in honor of my suitemates, who I annoy with facts about potatoes whenever we go to the dining hall (did you know that you learn a lot about potatoes when you take a class on Christopher Columbus? I didn't), I've decided to write an article solely about potatoes, the most perfect food. So, here are 10 reasons why you should love potatoes:

1. They have an interesting history

Most people associate potatoes with the Irish. They became a staple of Irish crops, and it is well known that the Potato Famine in the 19th century caused the death of many who relied on potatoes for sustenance. However, potatoes actually originated in the Andes Mountains of South America, and were only transported to Europe during The Columbian Exchange, the exchange of biological and cultural goods between the "Old World" and the "New World" after 1492.

2. There are many different types of potatoes

Many people in the U.S. know only a couple different types of potatoes, but as the picture above shows, there are actually many different types that haven't become as mainstream as the ones most Americans know. According to the International Potato Center (did you know that was a thing? I didn't...it's so cool!), there are over 4,000 different kinds of potatoes.

3. Potatoes are super important

Potatoes are the second most consumed crop in the world after rice and wheat. You could technically survive on potatoes and milk, although you'd probably lose a lot of essential nutrients and die early.

4. Potatoes are actually pretty healthy

I mean, you shouldn't justeat potatoes, but they're not bad for you if you eat them in moderation. They contain one-quarter of the calories bread does, and have more protein and twice the calcium as corn.

5. There are inedible types of potatoes!

The ancestors of today's modern potato are inedible, and there are about 100 types that grow from the Southwestern United States to Southern Chile that cannot be eaten.

6. They're easy to cook

When we cook potatoes at my house, it's pretty simple. You put about four or five potatoes on a paper napkin, put it in the microwave, cook it for six minutes, flip it and cook it for six more. Ta-dah!

7. Potato peelers are a thing

I always peeled potatoes with my hands, but it wasn't until I learned how to use a potato peeler that I felt like I was on an episode of "Chopped." They're pretty easy to use once you get the hang of it, and make potato peeling fun.

8. You can eat them in all seasons

It doesn't matter whether you're craving potatoes in summer, winter, fall or spring—they'll be there for you!

9. POTATO CHIPS

Enough said.

10. You can cook dozens of potato dishes.

From mashed potatoes to potato gratin, potatoes can make your life a better place!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

183350
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

9958
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

454384
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24440
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments