Events Tagged: "potato"

Potatoes first cultivated in Andes Mountains - indigenous peoples develop hundreds of varieties, freeze-drying techniques (chuño)

Spanish bring potatoes from Peru to Europe - initially curiosity for botanists, not recognized as food

Potatoes reach Antwerp from Spain - botanist Carolus Clusius receives specimens, distributes across Europe

Sir Walter Raleigh allegedly introduces potatoes to Ireland - plants them at his estate in Cork (story possibly apocryphal)

Potatoes save Prussia from famine - Frederick the Great orders cultivation, prevents starvation during Seven Years' War

Parmentier promotes potatoes in France - pharmacist publishes treatise, hosts potato dinners, plants guard-protected fields as publicity stunt

Potatoes become Ireland's primary crop - population depends almost entirely on potato, setting stage for disaster

Irish Potato Famine begins - Phytophthora infestans destroys crops, one million die, two million emigrate