Moc ziemniaka! Aim High Magazine #73: The Power of Potatoes

Uwaga! Temat z pogranicza rolnictwa i lifestylu! Główne zbiory ziemniaków przeznaczonych do przechowywania na jesień i zimę realizowane są pod koniec sierpnia. Wtedy mniej odbędzie się publikacja letniego numeru AimHigh Magazine. Ziemniaki? Ale o co chodzi? Chodzi o to, iż Hania z klasy 1a napisała bardzo interesujący artykuł o mocy ziemniaka! Jakiej mocy? Przeczytajcie!

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The Power of Potatoes

At first glance, potatoes may seem like ordinary, boring and unremarkable vegetables. In reality they play a significant role in our daily life. From the research results we can find out that potatoes are the most popular vegetables in the whole word. They have special place in our pantries.
The history of potatoes dates back to the 5th century BC. Then they were cultivated by the indigenous people of South America. They came to Europe in the 16th century, after the expeditions of Spanish conquistadors. Initially, they were not popular – they were considered inedible and even poisonous. Over time, people discovered that they are nutritious and easy to grow. Potatoes appeared in Poland around the 17th century and quickly became the basis of many traditional dishes. Now we can hardly imagine life without them.
Potatoes are one of the most versatile vegetables in the kitchen. They can be cooked, baked, fried, mashed, roasted, and turned into soup. From classic Polish dishes like mashed potatoes, potato pancakes and dumplings to modern recipes and international cuisine, the possibilities are endless. What’s more, potatoes take various forms all around the world— from Spanish tortilla de patatasto to Indian curry. Its flavour changes depending on how it’s prepared, and each method brings out something different. Potatoes are a really good addition to meat dishes. It’s hard to find another vegetable that offers so many culinary variations.
While potatoes are mostly known as a food staple, they also have a long history in folk medicine – especially in their raw form. Raw potato slices have soothing, anti-inflammatory, and cooling properties, making them a popular natural remedy for various skin issues. When placed on the skin, raw slices can help relieve sunburn, minor burns, bruises, swelling, and insect bites, and even reduce dark circles under the eyes. Thanks to their content of vitamin C, starch and antioxidants, raw potatoes support skin healing and calm irritation. It’s a simple, natural and inexpensive way to ease everyday skin problems.
Potatoes aren’t just for eating – they have some surprising household uses too. For example, water from boiled potatoes can help clean tarnished silver, bringing back its shine without harsh chemicals. A raw, cut potato combined with baking soda works as a gentle scrub to remove rust from metal surfaces. Potatoes can even generate electricity when used as simple galvanic cells in science experiments. Additionally, in combination with other plants, they can be used as a natural dye for fabrics or paper. These unexpected uses highlight just how versatile the humble potato is.
Although initially considered harmful, the potato has proven to be an incredibly multi-purpose crop. Around the world, it is used in a wide range of culinary creations as well as for its surprising medicinal properties. From the kitchen to natural remedies, the humble potato continues to surprise with its many uses.

Hania Gąsiorowska (1a)