1. The Potato

2. The potato Origins and spread of the potato Its advantages The potato's situation today

3. Origins Solanum tuberosum - seven recognised potato species From South America Domesticated about 8000 years ago Fundamental to the Incas' food security

4. Spread Exploration travels in the 16th century The Spanish brought it in 1565 To Ireland in 1589 Treated with suspiciousness

5. In Sweden By Olof Rudbeck to Uppsala ( around 1655) 1720s J. Alströmer Mid 18th century - vodka Potato as food

6. But... First potato - narrow gene pool In Ireland - mixed blessing Blight fungus in 1840s Disaster

7. Advantages No cholesterol Low in fat Low in calories Complex carbohydrates Essential amino acids Vitamins, minerals, protein Productive

8. Current situation 4th largest food crop Increasing in Asia and Africa Dangerous carbs? Great potential - carbon footprints Efficient Delicious

9. Summary From South America to Europe Provided Europe with food Productive and healthy Can meet the demands of the future

10. Sources How the potato changed the world, Charles C. Mann. November, 2011. www.smithsonian.comwww.smithsonian.com The Cambridge World History of Food. www.cambridge.org/us/books/kiple/potatoes.htmw w.cambridge.org/us/books/kiple/potatoes.htm www.potato.ie/history/ Svensk potatis. www.svenskpotatis.sewww.svenskpotatis.se