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The potato is one of the most interesting multi-cultural foodstuffs out there, with a rich and complex history. Potatoes were originally found in South America where they were cultivated in the Andes mountains many thousands of years ago. They were brought to Europe in the 16th century, where they spread through Europe and the rest of the world. Today China, Russia and India are the world’s top producers of the potato.

• The potato contains around 80% water and 20% solids.
• Thomas Jefferson gets the credit for introducing “french fries” to America when he served them at a White House dinner in 1802.
• According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest potato grown was 7 pounds, 1 ounce.
• Potatoes are now grown in all 50 states in the United States and in about 125 countries around the world.