As chefs and operators embrace ancient grains and heritage ingredients, the focus is shifting to foods that tell a deeper story - one rooted in history, culture, and authenticity. While quinoa and farro often have the spotlight, the potato deserves its time in the sun as a global heritage staple that has been nourishing communities for thousands of years.

First cultivated by the Inca civilization over 7,000 years ago, potatoes originated in the Andes and remain central to Peruvian cuisine today¹. With thousands of native varieties and rich agricultural traditions, the potato is much more than just a food, it is part of a living legacy.

After spreading across the globe through the Columbian Exchange, potatoes became key to regional cuisines worldwide. Their role in feeding populations and shaping food cultures is just as significant as any ancient grain¹.

Beyond its cultural and historical roots, the potato is packed with nutrients, offering a naturally gluten-free profile full of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C - meeting modern diners’ expectations for wellness without sacrificing comfort². From a kitchen perspective, potatoes are a chef’s best friend: cost-effective, versatile, and ready to take on bold global flavors.

In a food world that is all about storytelling, potatoes provide chefs and operators with a heritage ingredient that is both familiar and flexible. They act as a bridge between generations, appearing everywhere from fine dining to casual spots and in diverse foodservice settings, like school cafeterias and healthcare systems.

As diners look for more authentic experiences and crave connection to the past, potatoes make it easy for foodservice teams to deliver. Their rich history and universal appeal strike the perfect balance between tradition and accessibility, resonating with today’s consumers who want something both familiar and meaningful.

Honoring heritage ingredients is not just about looking back, it is about what they still offer today. Potatoes have always been there, quietly nourishing generations. For operators aiming to mix authenticity with innovation, this staple is still as relevant as ever.

Content courtesy of Idahoan Foodservice

¹Smithsonian Magazine, “The True History of the Potato,” https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-potato-changed-world-108470605/ 

²USDA FoodData Central and Harvard School of Public Health, "Potatoes and Health," https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/potatoes/