Champion potato facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Potato 'Champion' |
|
|---|---|
| Genus | Solanum |
| Species | Solanum tuberosum |
| Cultivar | 'Champion' |
| Breeder | John Nichol Ochterloney. |
| Origin | Scotland, 1863 |
The Champion is a special type of potato. It was first created by John Nicoll in Scotland in 1863. This potato became very popular in Ireland during the late 1800s.
The Champion potato has a round shape. Its skin is white, and the inside flesh is yellow. When cooked, it's known for being "floury," which means it's soft and crumbly, great for mashing or baking.
The Story of the Champion Potato
During the late 1800s, the Champion potato was extremely important in Ireland. It was grown more than almost any other potato. This was mainly because it could resist a plant disease called "blight." Blight caused a lot of problems for potato crops back then.
How Champion Helped Farmers
In 1879, there was a serious blight outbreak in Ireland. The Champion potato was strong against this disease. This made it a lifesaver for many farmers. Because it resisted blight, it helped prevent widespread crop failures.
In 1880, about 220,934 acres of Champion potatoes were planted. This was about 27% of all potatoes grown in Ireland. By 1894, its popularity had exploded. Farmers planted 717,000 acres of Champion potatoes. This meant it made up about 80% of all potato crops in Ireland!
When Champion's Popularity Changed
After 1894, new potato types started to appear. Varieties like Kerr's Pink and Arran Banner became more popular. Because of these new options, the Champion potato slowly became less important. Even so, it played a huge role in Irish history for many years.
