Potatoes became a staple starch in the pantries of Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries throughout Europe. What are the reasons for this and why did potatoes take so long to come into 'vogue' as a food source.

People believed that the plants surrounding the potato were poisonous nightshade like what the tomato had. They also avoided it because they believed that it's "unattractive" appearance. They finally became accustomed to using it after they discovered that it was suitable to grow in harsh conditions or where nothing else would have grown.