Transcript of البطاطس | الدحيح

For ‎every person at the end of the month with only 50 EGP, and ‎needs ‎a fulfilling ‎meal. For ‎every ‎body ‎builder, who ‎needs ‎an ‎easy-to-digest food, full of energy, to help ‎him ‎finish the workout. For ‎every ‎person ‎who can’t eat and wants a side dish to ‎up ‎his ‎appetite. The ‎world ‎needs ‎a ‎super ‎hero… a ‎real ‎hero ‎to ‎save ‎them. The ‎world ‎needs… Potatoes. Those who have no ‎money... can eat a Syrian potato sandwich. Those ‎who ‎need ‎ energy at the gym can ‎eat ‎mashed ‎potatoes. Those who want a good appetite can eat chips. The world was in need of a miracle for a very long time. And the miracle happened in a form of a human. Potatoman! Potatoman! Hello, dear viewers! Welcome to a new episode of ElDaheeh. My friend, if you got lucky and went to Germany, and went to Sanssouci Park in Potsdam, and visited the Church of Peace there, you will find the graves of a few German kings. One grave belongs to the most important king of Prussia in the 18th century, the king Frederick II, also known as Frederick the Great. Abo Hmeed, go into the topic! We want to know! Wait, my friend. I'm getting there. That's the seasoning of the episode and it will sizzle in a minute. Frederick was very respected by Germans, my friend, for his military, historical, and religious role; To the point that Hitler, to protect his body from damage during World War II, had the grave moved to a safe secret place, with a few other treasures. OK, ‏Abo ‎Hmeed! When we go to Germany, we ‎will ‎visit ‎his ‎grave and take a flower bouquet. ‏Can ‎we ‎talk about ‎potatoes ‎now? If ‎you ‎ever ‎went ‎to ‎visit this guy’s grave, -Don’t ‎bring ‎him ‎flowers -What do I bring? Potatoes? Actually, yes! ‏If ‎you ‎visit ‎his ‎grave, you will see that people put potatoes there. You ‎will ‎find ‎people ‎coming ‎in with potatoes and no one stops them. They walk in like gentlemen, put the potatoes then leave. When ‎does ‎this place close? So the day you actually ‎go to ‎Germany and get a Schengen visa, you ‎will ‎steal ‎potatoes from a guy who died in the 1700s? That’s ‎silly! To ‎understand ‎this ‎story, we need to go back in time to ‎1492 and specifically in Spain. When Christopher Columbus was getting prepared for the first expedition to the new world, or ‎what ‎was ‎later ‎named ‎America. After ‎Columbus’s ‎trip, the world changed forever. And ‎I’m ‎not ‎talking about ‎the geography, the maps and wars that happened after that. I'm talking about the exchange between the two worlds. Europe, Africa, Asia as the "Old World", and the America as the "New World". The new world was full of discoveries that the old world has never heard of before. Let me tell you that there are crucial ingredients in the European cuisine and the Global cuisine that didn't exist in the old world and were discovered in the new one. For example, tomatoes! They are a relatively new discovery. If it weren't for discovering America, we would now be eating Bamia in orange juice. There was no tomato sauce! Also things like corn and tobacco. These were all things that the European sailors haven't seen before. Then, they exported them to Europe, India, China, and the Middle East. And they became key ingredients for people living in those areas for many centuries till today. Not just that, but Europeans also sent crops to America. New crops that became economically important, and later on, became essential in people's lives over there. -Like what? Like coffee beans. -What, Abo Hmeed? Coffee beans today are very important Latin crops that are popular in Brazil and Colombia. Surprisingly, coffee was one of the crops that European sent over from the Middle East to the Americas. This ‎diverse ‎exchange was called the Colombian exchange, named after Columbus. Let ‎me ‎tell ‎you ‎that one of the most popular ‎exchanges ‎were ‎potatoes. -Actual ‎potatoes, ‏Abo ‎hmeed? -Yes, my friend. Potatoes, ‏or ‎sweet ‎potatoes are scientifically called Solanum Tubersum. The ‎word ‎”Potatoes" is derived from the Spanish word “Patata”. And ‎the ‎origin ‎of ‎this ‎Spanish word goes back to local languages in Peru, the ‎origin ‎of ‎potatoes. The ‎Solanaceae, which is the eggplant family, Wow! So potatoes belong to the eggplant family? Why ‎else ‎do ‎we fry them ‎together? They're cousins! These ‎are ‎root ‎crops that grow ‎under ‎ground. The ‎potatoes' ‎story ‎started from about 350 million years ago, when ‎it ‎evolved ‎from a ‎poisonous ‎origin to Solanaceae and took it’s current form in South America. The first discovery of potatoes was near the Lake of Titicaca. Haven't been there, never will! It was 1000 kilometers away from Lima, the capital of Peru. Farmers planted them in the Andes mountains 8000 years ago, and it was the main food source for natives in the area. The first historical mention of potatoes was in the Spanish historian Pedro Cieza de León's book in 1553, where he talked about the Inca Empire and the Spanish discoveries there. Pedro described potatoes as one of the main food sources for the natives. He said: "(It) is a kind of earth nut, which, after it has been boiled, is as tender as a cooked chestnut." Best thing ever written about potatoes! He meant the common form of potatoes which is mashed. If they saw French fries, civilization wouldn't exist; Too busy eating. And indeed, Spanish people added potatoes to new discoveries. And from 1570 to 1600, potatoes reached all of Europe. Let me tell you that Europeans rejected potatoes at first! Specifically because it's a root vegetable. It's a plant that grows underground inside the soil, and these plants weren't common in Europe. Unlike carrots that were a big deal in the Middle East and Asia. Also, if you look at potatoes, they don't look good or colorful. It isn't a handsome plant. It doesn't have a cucumber's body, or a tomato's colors. By the way, tomatoes spread as a decorative plant when sent to Europe for their colors. Imagine visiting someone with a tomato bouquet. Europe was even racist towards plants, my friend. Of course, spring onions would lose at the first round. That's why potatoes started to get a bad reputation. And many rumors said it was an evil plant! Rumors back then said that it caused diseases, like Leprosy, Syphilis, early death, and infertility. Hello! Yes, can you please cancel the combo order? I want no potatoes! No potatoes! Also, they said it destroyed the soil it was planted in. By the 17th century, and in the span of a 100 years, potatoes were only used as food for animals and homeless people. However, this will all change. In an article by Dr. Rebecca Earle, history professor at the University of Warwick, titled: "How the humble potato fueled the rise of liberal capitalism." *Potato* "I did that? Please don't say humble!" Just went into the oil. In the 18th century, European countries started to reconsider the rules of resources and national power. Any country trying to grow has to end two things: Famine and malnutrition. These had spread in Europe for centuries. That's why they had to think about new dietary guidelines. Guidelines that are able to increase the population, and improve their health and ability to reproduce. In his book, published in 1797, titled: "Observations concerning the diet of the common people", the Scottish doctor William Buchan said that the reason for malnutrition is that most people eat meat and bread, and drink alcohol. And they don't eat enough vegetables. That caused diseases like scurvy, which is a disease caused by lack of vitamin C from vegetables, which caused fatigue and exhaustion. And if it wasn't cured, its complications could lead to death. These are problems that reduce production and destroy the British economy. If we don't have well nourished people, then we can't work or make strong armies. So, this diet crisis was a real problem! Even though, something like wheat was the main nutrient in Europe, and every 100 grams of wheat produces way more calories than a 100 grams of vegetables, but some vegetables, and specifically potatoes, had an important advantage. That they are hot and crispy, Abo Hmeed? No! They didn't have frying oil yet. The advantage of potatoes, despite the difference in calories, is that the production of the same area planted with potatoes equals almost six times the production of wheat. Meaning, the product you get from a land planted with potatoes is six times more than the product you get if you planted wheat. So, Yeah! Wheat has more calories, but we can produce more potatoes. So, they then produce more calories. Also, potatoes have the ability to get rid of pests. They can also be eaten in their first form. You only need to boil them. But wheat needs processing to be able to eat it. No one will eat plain wheat. In addition, storing potatoes is way easier, especially in cold European weather. Also, potatoes have the most important quality that the European diet lacks, the one I just told you about: Vitamin C! That's why their efficiency against diseases like scurvy was evident. Sailors, for example, ate potatoes with the skin, which is rich in vitamin C. Ans since potatoes are easily stored, they were less likely to get sick. Buchan encouraged the use of root vegetables like potatoes. The potato stock increased, to the point that there were attacks on the traditional European Diet, which consists of bread and meat. The famous economist Adam Smith, who believed in the importance of potatoes as a way to save the national economy. In his articles, he attacked meat markets and bakeries. He asked to boycott them and rely less on them as food sources, and to rely more on potatoes. Also, the European support for potatoes didn't stop with philosophers, doctors and writers. Wow, Abo Hmeed! President Biden too? It turned into a full direct and indirect government support. The king Frederick II, the one with potatoes on his grave, was certain of the importance of potatoes. However, Germans rejected it even more than the rest of Europe. So, he decided to do a trick. Frederick decided to plant potatoes in a part of his land, and he put heavy security around it. He spread rumors about the power and nutrition of potatoes, and that it's a magical plant. And indeed, the Germans bought it and started to plant potatoes. "Hans! Check this out! Let's see this magical plant that king Frederick is planting and protecting. Surely, it cures high blood pressure, diabetes and maintains public health." And indeed, Germans started planting potatoes, and they started to widely spread. Advertisement for potatoes reached every where in Europe. For example, the Tuileries Garden was built in Paris, which overlooks the Tuileries Palace, and also overlooks the Louvre Museum, after it was built, it was planted by potatoes. To the point that, the king of France's wife Marie Antoinette started putting potato flowers in her hair to show her love for potatoes. In Italy and Spain, the press mentioned the importance of potatoes, and published ways to boil and cook them. They did everything possible to spread the use of potatoes. All European countries decided to teach people how to plant potatoes and eat them. And by the 19th century, potatoes were a part of every European table, and became a main part of the European diet culture. Dr. Nathan Nunn, the Professor of Economics at Harvard University, said in a study in 2011 titled: published in The Quarterly Journal of Economics. He said that between the years 1000 to 1900 the world population grew form 300 million to 1.6 billion. However, the rate of growth wasn't steady. Most of the actual growth happened in the last 200 years, and specifically from 1700 to 1900, as you can see in the graph. Nunn thinks that this growth has many reasons, but he says that using potatoes as a main food source represented alone 25% of the reasons for population growth at the time. However, like we taught you on this show, nothing good lasts forever. So, the potatoes that the kings used to feed people, and stop the dangers of famine will be one of the reasons for the biggest revolutions in Europe and the world. In the mid 18th century, reliance on potatoes had reached its peak in Europe. Irish citizens, for example, were provided potatoes as 80% of their Malory intake with the average consumption of 5.5 kg a day for an adult. Oh my God! That's a lot! Not necessarily that they ate all 5 kilos, but they also exported them, so there was economic activity. However, in 1845, Europe's worst nightmares came true, when a group of ships from the Americas arrived in Ireland. This time ships weren't just loaded with cargo, they were also loaded with a very serious disease in the potatoes. The late blight. The ships that carried potatoes for the first time to Ireland in the past three centuries, this time had the epidemic disease. This epidemic spread all over Europe. But the situation in Ireland was worse than any other place. In the first year, the disease ruined third of the crops. In the second year, it ruined 90% of it. The situation in Ireland was disastrous. However, what was more disastrous was Britain’s reaction, which was the world's richest empire at the time that Ireland belonged to. Not only did Britain not provide any noticeable support to stop this famine, but they also continued to collect taxes, rents, and export crops. -"We are dying!" -"Give me...crops." This famine resulted in the death of one million people in Ireland. And about another million decided to sell everything they had, and immigrate to the US in the biggest Irish immigration wave in history. The shortage in potatoes was the main reason for things to blow up in Europe. Potatoes in Europe weren't just a main food source, or a cool meal for rich people. The absence of potatoes for European farmers in the 1800s meant that his life is in danger! Not only that, but his family and cattle's lives too Let me explain. The thing is that potatoes were an easy meal. They need no skills for preparation or cooking. With one dish, the farmer could feed himself, his kids, and his cattle. In addition, they are easy to plant and store. My friend, potatoes had an advantage you might not see now. You can hide them underground and nothing will happen. Why hide it, Abo Hmeed? Is it scared? Remember this is about Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was very possible to have your produce robbed by a gang. And if they weren't, then your tax collector or any landlord would take your produce in exchange for the rent or taxes. Then leave you in the cold winter without food. The famous artist Van Gogh, when he decided to paint and portray the European farmer's life, he chose to paint his famous painting "The Potato Eaters" in 1885, which showed potatoes as a main part of a farmer's life And when poorer classes found out that their main food is a treasure, a treasure no longer available, they started in 1848 a bunch of uneasiness and protests in more than 50 European countries. All in the same time, and without coordination between farmers. Europe had feudal system at the time, and refused to give farmers and workers their rights. In addition, some countries still practiced serfdom. It's a system similar to slavery of farmers in some countries. So, potatoes was the last thing that farmers held on to, and that made a great change in Europe. Take this: A national uprising in Ireland led by the Young Ireland movement. Sadly, this uprising failed. Also, absolutism ended in Denmark, and serfdom was canceled in Austria, the Hungarian revolution of 1848, the French revolution of 1848, and creating of the French Second Republic, the March Revolution in Germany, which is considered the first attempt at uniting the German states. All that forced countries to make changes to avoid revolutions. Not just that, but potatoes changed Europe in an indirect way. For example, some countries made reforms to avoid anything happening. Like the Netherlands, who made a constitutional change to reduce the monarchy's influence. And like Switzerland, who made a constitution in 1848. Potatoes was the main reason in shaping the Western world in the current shape we see. The potatoes from the 18th century til World War I had a revolutionary effect on the Western citizen, not any less than the effect of cars and railways. Potatoes were the safe way out of famines. They fueled workers to make big accomplishments, and were food for soldiers during war. They were even used in bank loans. Imagine getting a loan, and they ask for a guarantee, so you go: "I have two potato sacks that will blow the loan department's mind." Now let's remove the potatoes from history, drain them, and go to the kitchen. Potatoes were easy and cheap, my friend. In any country they go to, they're the star. Potatoes spread and adapted to any cuisine's spices. Today, potatoes reached number 4 crop in the world, after maze, wheat, and rice. You will find it in "potatoes au Gratin" in France, "Gamja-jeon" with stir-fried onions in Korea, or put under chicken in a pan in your home, in addition to the dish that united the whole world: The French fries. Let me tell you, if you go to Google translate, and typed "fried potatoes" in Arabic, it won't translate it to "fried potatoes", but to "French fries". Abo Hmeed, let me ask the question I had for a while. Does calling it "French fires" mean that it's from France? Honestly, that question is hard to answer. Actually, french fries is a matter of conflict between many countries. Belgians, for example, say that frying food in oil is very popular in the Belgian cuisine. They even have a dish called "Fish Fingers". It originated from settler villages on the Meuse river, who got fish, cut it into finger-like shapes, fry it in animal fat, then eat it. And in 1680, when the winter was too cruel to the point that rivers froze, Belgians decided to fry potatoes instead of fish. They called it "Pommes Frites", or Fried potatoes. Let me tell you that at the same time, French people say that French fries belong to them, and that the whole world first knew it in the 17th century, when sellers started selling finger-like potatoes fried in animal fat on a bridge called Pont-Neuf in Paris. And they called it "Pommes Pont-Neuf". I don't understand, Abo Hmeed. Is it French or Belgian? I want to tell you that Americans caused this problem. While American soldiers were in South of Belgium during World War I, they were introduced to fries and enjoyed them. And since South Belgians speak French, American soldiers took the fries with them to America, and called them French fries. Today, there's still a conflict between Belgium and France on who created fries potatoes. And both countries are fighting to prove their historical right of inventing French fries. Belgium presented a plea to the UNESCO confirming that fries are a Belgian cultural symbol. Also, they opened a museum that's one of a kind in the world. Let me introduce you the Frietmuseum in Burges The museum has the history of how fries were made. Imagine the manager of the museum wearing an Apron like mom. And if anyone got closer, "No touching!" "Don't touch objects before they are done!" Also, the conflict on who was the inventor of fries was used in diplomatic issues sometimes. Like what happened in 2003, when America proposed military action against Iraq, the French government announced its refusal for this proposal. Will America stay silent? No, they will French fry France. What, Abo Hmeed? They cut ties? Deport the ambassador? Set French pens on fire? No, my friend. America was much angrier than that. The Chairman of the House Administration Committee Bob Ney decides to take a very assertive decision. "Listen, France! We will change the name of fries in the menu of Congressional cafeterias from 'French fries' to 'Freedom fries'!" *France* Oh! Non, Non, Non, Monsieur! *France* Non, seriously-ion! *France* This is for you, America! This is for you! That was the revenge, Abo Hmeed? Silly people with a silly congress! Also, the American congress wasn't the only one who had issues with fries. Doctors did too. Don't forget that a potato’s quality is also its flaw. Potatoes are the first, second, and third prohibited food in any diet plan. they have high calories and fats. But that didn't stop it from being number one in the fast food world. In 2021, the global French fries market size world wide was valued higher than 15 billion dollars, according to "Fortune Business Insights". And it's expected to reach 22 billion dollars by 2029. Here's an important question we need to ask. Why are potatoes the only plant that were easily able to be inserted in any country's cuisine and create a nutritional, cultural, economical, and political effect? And cause trouble in all continents? Imagine that all of these geographical areas and land none of them refused potatoes! Everywhere we put, they grow! Let me tell you that potatoes, as described by Dr. Rebecca Earle, are the "world's most successful immigrant". To the point that it's original home isn't known. It's not form the sellers or the buyers. In article in the "Nature" journal, there's a study that looks into the genes of Eurasian potatoes, which currently represent 82% of the globally planted potatoes. Scientists found out that potatoes planted in the Andes mountains, and then sent to Europe, had an amazing ability to adapt in Europe despite the difference in temperatures. Potatoes are the Joker. They can handle any circumstances. You can plant it in Siberia, and also plant it in Saudi Arabia. In the end, food is cultural element that expresses the identity of its country. However, when a certain food has good quality and amazing adaptability, a fruit that lives in any land, then after a short time, it plants its presence in people's food and culture. And turns into a world-traveling food that crosses cultures and languages. Food that is able to hold every country's story, able to be food for kings, food for rebels, able to inspire artists like Van Gogh and economists like Adam Smith. It's for you and me on breakfast! Some like it with tahini, some like it Ketchup and mayo, some like it mashed, some like it chips. For each their own! Food that is able to cause wars, revolutions, and cultural and historical battles. That makes us stop and wonder: Can such an amazing plant inspire us to see its adaptive and flexible qualities? Not as a cause of war, but as a reason for cooperation between humans. Change it from just food to a meaning that can free and save us. Let me tell you that in 2008, the United Nations announced that it was the year of potatoes: The International Year of Potatoes. That's because despite the conflict around them, they were the most famous and preferred vegetable in the world, and the most present in all cuisines. And sometimes they surpass cultural foods that only exist in that country. And that, according to the UN, made potatoes our hope of providing food security and ending poverty. And those are the biggest threats that humanity face. Despite people's differences in classes, colors, genders, and their financial, social, or health circumstances, they all eat potatoes. Our love for potatoes unites us. Let's finish the metaphor to the end! Let's replace blood with Ketchup! And war bandages with kitchen towels! And the annoying sound of 'pew pew' with the comforting 'tish tish' That's it. Don't forget to fry old episodes and boil the new ones. Mash the sources and if you are on YouTube...subscribe. In the end, I want to give a message to potatoes, while I'm on a diet and filled with negative feelings towards them! You think I can't forget you? You round browned thing! You mashed smashed thing! You stir-fried thing! Sitting in a pan with million onions as your man! You think I can't live without you? Yes. I love Combo deals. The sandwich needs fries. Then I put the fries inside the sandwich. Sometimes I get two potato sandwiches from El Haramain in El Hosary.