Potatoes and grow your own
Latin name: Solanum Tuberosum
The potato originally originated in the Andes mountains of South America several thousand years ago and was successfully cultivated from the 13th Century onwards by the Incas of Peru. The Spanish then discovered the potato during the invasion of the Inca Empire in 1531-1535. It is not known for sure who first introduced the potato to the UK, however , Sir William Raleigh is often given credit and it was the end of the 16th century.
Up to the 1800's growing Potatoes was for the poor. the vast majority of the Irish population lived in poverty and were totally dependant on the potato as a food source. However, over the last few centuries its tastes and nutritional value has become more appreciated and now forms part of a standard diet of many countries.
Why grow your own?
Potatoes are an excellent choice for the home garden as they yield well in most soil types and growing conditions. They emerge and grow quickly and can be stored for long periods. Furthermore what can be more satisfying for any gardener than feasting on a plate of delicious, new potatoes for dinner that they have produced with their own hands.
Not only delicious but also highly nutritious. An average-sized baked potato contains a well balanced complement of amino acids (among the best to be found in vegetables), a good source of trace minerals and several vitamins, all for 90-100 calories.