The Zulu word is izambane , Serbs say krompir , and Malaysia weighs in with ubi kentang . It's hard to find a language that doesn't have a word for potatoes because it's hard to find a country that doesn't eat them. Sure, they're tasty and easy to grow in conditions wet or dry, cold or hot.
Potatoes are cheap and adaptable.
One of the reasons I love to use potatoes is because they're so cost-effective. They can be reused. If you bake them today, you can cut up the leftovers and make potato hash or croquettes tomorrow. They're so versatile. Incas in Peru began cultivating potatoes around 200 B.C. and the Conquistadors took them to Europe in the early 16th century.