The potato wasn't invented, but rather domesticated. The story of the potato begins in the Andes Mountains of South America, where it was first cultivated by indigenous people, likely the Quechua people of Peru and Bolivia.
The potato was a staple food for these ancient cultures, and they developed numerous varieties over centuries.
Archaeological evidence suggests that potato cultivation began around 8,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest domesticated crops in the Americas.
The potato only reached Europe in the 16th century, brought back by Spanish conquistadors. It quickly became a popular food source, especially among the poor, as it was cheap and easy to grow.
While the potato wasn't invented, the journey of its domestication and spread is a fascinating story of human interaction with the natural world.
