There were no potatoes in Europe until the Spanish discovered them in Peru, high in the Andes. These were quite small and oddly shaped, and came in various hues. The potato was, indeed, a blessing to meat-poor Europe. Unfortunately potatoes grew too well in Ireland and, Ireland became a one-crop nation. The potato blight destroyed the crop and impoverished Ireland.
Long before the Spanish discovered them the potatoes were smashed and more or less "freeze dried" in the heights of the Andes. No French fries, though. Many in France call them Belgian fries for this is where they originated.
Long before the Spanish discovered them the potatoes were smashed and more or less "freeze dried" in the heights of the Andes. No French fries, though. Many in France call them Belgian fries for this is where they originated.