In a world where virtually any food is readily available, we rarely pause to consider that for most of human history, this was not the case. People were confined to consuming local foods. Back then, introducing a new food could have explosive benefits, like what happened with the potato in Europe. Its introduction and adoption in Europe between 1700 and 1900 led to a remarkable 25% growth in population.
The adoption of the potato by Europe took some time. Although it was brought by the Spanish from South America in the late 16th century, it took about two centuries to become a staple food in many parts of Europe. It takes time for populations to adjust to a new type of food and the latest farming practices the potato requires. However, potatoes’s multiple benefits over the traditional sources of carbs in those days, such as wheat or rye bread, ended up helping gain market share in Europe’s diet.
Potatoes are a great source of nutrition. On one hand, potatoes are much more nutritionally dense than bread and packed with important vitamins and minerals. On the other hand, potatoes provide a much higher yield than rye or wheat and are more resistant to spoilage, allowing for year-round consumption. The increased usage of potatoes led to improved food security and health. With a more reliable food source, populations were better nourished, and infant mortality rates decreased, leading to an explosion in population growth.
The potato story in Europe is a prime example of how a single agricultural product can profoundly impact human society. Nutrition is an essential factor for human flourishing. Humans need to eat to gain energy, and that power enables them to do productive work. Ultimately, our productivity is influenced by what we eat, and better food leads to more human flourishing.
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