The Poison Crop That Built Empires

Did you know the potato is a game-changer that shaped the course of civilization? 🥔 Join me as we explore the fascinating journey of this humble plant, from its toxic beginnings in the Andes to its role in feeding empires, fueling revolutions, and even making its way to outer space. This episode dives into the ethnobotany, history, and chemistry behind the potato, revealing how it transformed humanity’s survival and innovation. Chapters 0:00 Intro 1:03 Part 1: Born in the Andes 5:14 Part 2: Suspicious roots and great hunger 16:09 Part 3: Inside a tuber 19:51 Part 4: Modern spuds, future worlds Subscribe to The History of Plants – Strange Botany, Poisonous Legends & Forgotten Flora on Soundwise