Denmark

Although the first potato tuber was planted in Denmark's Royal Botanical Garden in 1642, Danish farmers did not start growing it until almost a century later, around 1720. It is believed that farming of potatoes was introduced either from England and Ireland or via Huguenots emigrating from France.

Potato production in Denmark totalled some 1.6 million tonnes in 2007, with yields of 39 tonnes per hectare. Little more than one third of total output is consumed directly as fresh potatoes. In fact, more than half of Denmark's potato harvest is processed into potato starch and flour, while nine percent is used as seed potatoes for replanting.

Each year, the average Dane consumes about 73 kg of potatoes. While per capita consumption is below that of other European countries, such as Ireland, potatoes are nevertheless an important part of the national diet. Potatoes are almost ubiquitous in Danish cooking, and an essential side dish to every hot meal. Denmark's legendary akvavit is distilled from potato. (Source: International Year of the Potato)