Original of the Andes, it was already known by pre-Columbian civilizations. Brought to Europe by Columbus it spreads as food only at the end of 1600 because of the famine in Ireland. Its common name was "papa" , afterwards the Europeans called it "potato." The classification of varieties is based on the characteristics of the pulp: firmer in those yellow flesh, more powdery in the white paste. It contains 85 calories per 100 grams. It is rich in complex carbohydrates, and then suitable for those suffering from diabetes; the potassium content has to be useful to combat hypertension.