Many types of vegetables are cultivated in India, from potatoes to onions and tomatoes. They play an important role in Indian thali. In everyday life, people eat more and more vegetables. At the same time, for vegetarian people, vegetables are the source of nutrients. Generally people consider some vegetables as desi. Which includes potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes and chillies. But you will be surprised to know that these vegetables, which are called local, actually belong to foreign countries. Yes, if we turn the pages of history, we come to know that Portuguese, Dutch and English traders did not come only for spices. In fact, many vegetables were also brought to India.
However, even if these vegetables come from abroad. But today they are cultivated the most in India. Let us know in this article to which country the so-called indigenous potatoes, chillies, tomatoes, capsicum and maize actually belong and how they were brought to India.
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Where did potatoes come to India from?
Potato is used extensively in India. Whether you are making paratha or vegetable…you will find potato in every dish. India ranks second in the world in potato cultivation. But do you know that potato is not actually from India? Rather, its roots are linked to Peru and South America. Potato was brought to India by Portuguese businessmen in the 17th century. At that time, potato cultivation in India was negligible. But in 1797, several campaigns were launched to increase potato cultivation. In which the British East India Company had even distributed seeds and gifts to cultivate potatoes. Not only this, Dr. Benjamin of Madras himself had grown and propagated it.
Red tomato is not from India
Many people also consider tomato as a native crop of India. but it’s not like that. It was also grown in Peru, South America. 2500 years ago, the Nahua community of Mexico first started cultivating tomatoes. After this, it was planted in Europe and then in Italy, seeing its shining color, it started being called the golden apple. After many years, tomato entered India, the credit for bringing it goes to Portuguese traders. Now see, India is second in the world in terms of growing tomatoes.
Chilli’s connection with this country
Chilli was first cultivated in Mexico, Central America. It was discovered by Christopher Columbus in America in 1492. Portuguese traders brought it to many parts of the world. In India too, the Portuguese brought it to Goa around 1500. At that time it was cultivated only in Goa. But gradually it spread throughout India and now India is at the forefront in growing chilli. India ranks first in chilli cultivation in the world.
What is the story of capsicum?
The story of capsicum is also similar. It was also first grown in Mexico and North America. This was also discovered by Christopher Columbus. Capsicum is known there as Capsicum. But when it was brought to India, the name also changed. It was also brought to India by Portugal, where it was first grown in places like Shimla, Darjeeling and Nilgiri. This was the reason why it came to be known as capsicum.
Where did cauliflower come to India from?
Cauliflower is also not Indian. Its roots are linked to the island of Cyprus and the Mediterranean region. Its entry in India took place in the 19th century, which was brought to India by the British rule, where the British botanist Dr. Jameson grew it in Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh. After this, its cultivation gradually started all over India and till now India is growing the most cauliflower and cabbage in the world.
Mecca has a connection with this country
Maize, which is also called corn in India, is not actually from India. It was first cultivated in Mexico. From where Christopher Columbus brought it to Europe. After Europe, it was taken to Asia and Africa by the Portuguese. But European traders brought it to India. In India, its cultivation first started in Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana and Himalayan regions. Today India is at fifth position in maize production.
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