Potatoes, sweet potatoes and cassava

Cultivation of this starchy tuber(potato) in the region of modern-day - and - may go back ----- years.

• Cultivation of this starchy tuber in the region of modern-day Peru and

Bolivia may go back 10,000 years.

how do potatoes from history differ from ones we would find in modern groviery stores

rough and bump, wild potatoes

Traditional meal in Ecaduor

Boiled potatoes, cooked with the skin on them

• Boiled corn

• Pumpkin seed sauce: made with roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), hot

red chile peppers, and achiote paste

potatoes are the - largest food crop in the world after corn wheat and rice

fourth

the potato first arrived in spain then shortly after in ireland

- what was the first record of a potato in ireland?

-

lumper potato

In which regions are potatoes consumed in very large quantities?

Rural areas of Africa and the highlands of Latin America (e.g., Peru, Bolivia).

How much potato do adults in these regions consume daily?

Up to 800 g/day, providing about one-third of total energy intake.

What is the limiting amino acid group in potatoes?

what food could this be paired with for complementary proteins

Sulfur-containing amino acids (e.g., methionine, cysteine).

corn

Which amino acid is present in adequate amounts in potatoes?

Lysine.

What is the most abundant mineral in potatoes?

Potassium.

What nutrients are concentrated in potato skin? 2

Iron and polyphenols (plus other minerals).

polyphenols- plant compounds that are antioxidants

- are present in the flesh and skin of purple- and red-

fleshed potatoes

Anthocyanins are present in the flesh and skin of purple- and red-

fleshed potatoes

- antioxidants

Yukon Gold potatoes contain high amounts of -

carotenoids

Q: What are lutein and zeaxanthin?

A: Carotenoid antioxidants found in plant foods.

Q: What is the main health role of lutein and zeaxanthin?

A: They support eye health, especially the macula, and help protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

what factors influence why we consume mainly white flesh cultivars in canada

consumerism

- what do people want to eat

- long shelf life

What are glycoalkaloids?

Secondary plant metabolites that act as natural defenses against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and insects.

What sensory property can glycoalkaloids give potatoes?

A bitter taste.

Are glycoalkaloids harmful to humans?

They can be toxic at high concentrations.

Why do potatoes produce glycoalkaloids?

To protect themselves from pests and pathogens.

clay binds to the glyco

How is edible clay sauce traditionally prepared?

Dried clay is dissolved in salty brine to make a clay slurry or sauce served with potatoes.

Why do people in the Andes consume clay with potatoes?

To reduce toxins called glycoalkaloids naturally found in potatoes.

How does edible clay sauce promote health?

The clay detoxifies potatoes by binding glycoalkaloids, reducing toxicity and bitterness.

what potatoes are grown in higher altitudes and why

bitter potatoes that are frost resistant

Q: Which has more energy per 100 g: boiled yams or boiled sweet potatoes?

Q: Which has more vitamin A activity (RAE) per 100 g: boiled yams or boiled sweet potatoes?

Boiled yams (116 kcal) have more energy than boiled sweet potatoes (76 kcal).

A: Boiled sweet potatoes (787 RAE) vs. boiled yams (6 RAE).

- Sweet potatoes are dramatically higher in vitamin A

Why is cassava very high in calories?

Because most of its calories come from carbohydrates; it is extremely starch-rich.

Why can a cassava-based diet lead to protein deficiency?

Cassava is low in protein, so relying on it as a staple without complementary protein sources leads to inadequate protein intake.

What is 'hidden hunger' and how is it related to cassava consumption?

Hidden hunger is micronutrient deficiency despite feeling full. Cassava gives satiety due to fiber and carbs but lacks essential vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Why might people feel full after eating cassava even if they're nutrient deficient?

Cassava is very starchy and high in fiber, which promotes satiety without providing balanced nutrition.

Which part of the cassava plant is richer in protein and micronutrients — the tuber or the leaves?

The edible leaves; they contain significantly more protein and micronutrients than the tuber.

What dietary strategy helps prevent hidden hunger in cassava-reliant communities?

Combining cassava with protein-rich foods and micronutrient-dense ingredients (e.g., beans, leafy greens, legumes, animal protein).

What macronutrients does cassava mainly lack?

Protein and fat.

Q: From which plant is tapioca derived?

Q: From which plant is tapioca derived?A: Cassava.

Why is cassava considered a potentially dangerous staple food crop?

It can be lethally toxic if not properly processed due to cyanogenic glycosides.

What toxic compounds are found in raw cassava tubers and leaves?

Cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide.

How can cyanide exposure from cassava occur?

Through ingestion of improperly processed cassava or inhalation of cyanide gas during processing.

How are cassava cultivars classified based on taste and smell?

As sweet or bitter varieties.

Which type of cassava cultivar contains lower cyanide levels?

Sweet cultivars.

What processing steps are required for sweet cassava before eating?

Peeling and boiling.

Why do bitter cassava varieties require more complex processing?

They have higher cyanide concentrations.

What preparation methods are used for bitter cassava varieties?

Peeling, grating, fermenting, drying, and other methods that remove cyanide.

what is another benefit to fermenting cassava in water besides the cyanide reduction

• Fermentation also causes release of some bound minerals, including calcium and magnesium.

How to reduce cyanide poisoning

Leaves: dry, pound, and boil

Bitter Tubers

1

2

3

4

1. Peel: The peel of cassava tuber contains most of the cyanide-

producing compounds.

2. Soak and ferment in water for 4 to 6 days

• Fermentation also causes release of some bound minerals,

including calcium and magnesium.

3. Cook it thoroughly (boil, roast or bake)

4. Pair it with protein.

• Sulphur-containing amino acids (methionine and cysteine)

are required to detoxify cyanide in humans

Why grow bitter cassava?

3

• Better defense against pests (e.g., wild pigs and monkeys) and crop

pathogens

• Less likely to be dug up and stolen

• A longer shelf-life after harvest.