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| Potatoes originated in the Andes Mountains of South America, where they were domesticated by indigenous peoples, including the Inca, between 8000 and 5000 B.C.. Spanish conquistadors brought the potato to Europe in the 16th century, but it was initially met with skepticism before becoming a staple crop, supported by its nutritional value and ease of growth. Potatoes have since spread globally, playing a significant role in population growth and food security, though they were also the cause of the 19th-century Irish potato famine |