The potato was designated the official state vegetable of Idaho in 2002. Idaho's rich volcanic soil, water from melting snow in nearby mountains, clean air, sunny days and cool nights combine to produce consistently high-quality potatoes that have made Idaho famous worldwide. Americans love potatos - we each consume about 140 pounds of pototos per year in fresh and processed forms.
The potato is a native American plant, originating in what is now southern Peru (about three thousand varieties persist in the Andes of South America and there are about five thousand potato varieties world wide). The English word "potato" comes from Spanish patata (derived originally from the Nahuatl word potatl). The potato is now the world's most widely grown tuber crop, and the fourth largest fresh produce food crop (following rice, wheat, and corn).
The potato was introduced to Europe about 80 years after the first voyage of Columbus in 1492. Once established in Europe, potatos became an important food staple and field crop. Lack of genetic diversity (due to the fact that very few varieties were initially introduced) left the crop vulnerable to disease, resulting in the Great Irish Famine.
Potatoes are extremely versatile in cooking and are served in many forms including mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, boiled or steamed potatoes, French-fried potatoes, potato chips, scalloped potatoes, fried potatoes, home fries, hash browns, and potato pancakes.
