Potatoes
Definition
Potatoes are a starchy plant tuber native to South America that became one of Europe's most important staple crops after being introduced through the Columbian Exchange.
Related terms
Staple Crop: A food that is eaten routinely and makes up a dominant part of people's diet in a specific region or country. In this case, potatoes became a staple crop in many parts of Europe post-Columbian Exchange.
Famine: Extreme scarcity of food. The dependence on potatoes as a staple crop in Ireland led to the Great Famine when potato crops failed due to disease.
Nightshade Family: The botanical family to which potatoes belong, along with tomatoes, eggplants and peppers. All these plants were introduced to Europe through the Columbian Exchange.
"Potatoes" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (4)
Which major event took place in Europe after exploration exposed it to new world crops such as potatoes and maize?
Why did the introduction of New World crops like potatoes lead to significant population growth in Europe?
What is one major impact on Europe as a result of acquiring new crops like potatoes from America during the Columbian exchange?
In what year were potatoes introduced from America to Europe as part of the Columbian exchange?
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