Aloo (Potato)

 "The universally loved vegetable crop"

Aloo (Potato) is a universally loved crop known by various names all over the world. A vegetable that is a favorite with most kids and many adults as well. A starchy tuberous vegetable is fourth in line among the most largely grown food crops in the world.

There are almost five thousand variety of potato grown world wide. Peru alone has more than three thousand variety. The documents show that cultivation of this nutritious vegetable dates back to seven thousand years in Peru and Spain. It eventually spread to the rest of the world.

An essential crop in Europe, per capita production of potato is highest in the world here. South Asia and India are not far behind and produce in large quantities to cater to the staple diet of the world population. An interesting study shows that Belarus in Europe consumes the highest per capita potato in the world. Potato kept in cold storage can be consumed through out the year.

Some common names given to potato all over the world are balata or aloof in India, potato in Spain, ground apple in France, Kartofe in Bulgaria, Slovak call it zemiak, alu in Nepal, Lithuanian bulve and Chinese horse bell yam.

This very popular crop has some great nutritional value. Though the nutritional value depends a lot on the way it is cooked and the ingredients used as well. The presence of starch protects against colon cancer, improves glucose tolerance, and lowers plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentration. They also have a number of important vitamins and minerals such as potassium, iron, vitamin B6, Zinc, magnesium, niacin and phosphorous. Potato skin is also very fibrous and nutritious.

There are hundreds of cuisines made with this universal crop. Potato forms a primary ingredient in many traditional as well as modern day cuisines. Some common snacks such as finger fries, potato wedges, and mashed potatoes are popular all over the world. Did you know that even wine can be made from potato?

Indians too are very fond of potato and consume it in many forms. Each region in the country has its own potato specialty. Potato is a part of almost every meal and some very popular Indian recipes include potato dry method, fried potato curry, wet potato sweet sour and wet potato tomato gravy.

This year (2008) has been declared as the year of the potato by the UN to spread awareness and benefits of cultivating it. Potato is a highly recommended food security crop that can help shield low income countries from the risks posed by rising international food prices. Growing potato also helps to reduce soil degradation, soil erosion and nitrate pollution. It can be grown in a variety of climatic conditions and is also suitable for intercropping and double cropping system.

The ubiquitous root, Potato is easily at the pinnacle of all food crops.

 Thali