European Curiosity
There are several versions regarding how potatoes made their way to Russia. One of the most popular connects it with the name of Peter I. The young tsar tried this exotic vegetable in the Netherlands during the Great Embassy and was so amazed by its unusual taste that he immediately sent a sack of "earth apples" to Count Sheremetev with the task of introducing and spreading this agricultural crop in Russia.
The First Attempts
Sheremetev initially optimistically took on the tsar's commission, but things, so to speak, did not work out. Although potatoes are an undemanding crop and grew well in Russia, the peasants did not know how to consume them. Therefore, many ate the berries that looked like small green tomatoes. The problem was that they contain toxic solanine, which causes nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and, in the case of a large dose, can even be fatal.
"Devil's Apples"
The second wave of propagating potatoes in the country swept through during Catherine II's reign, who loved potato dishes and thus approached the issue more wisely. Recommendations were issued on how to properly grow, cook, and store potatoes. However, the Pugachev Rebellion seriously distracted the Empress from agricultural issues. The next attempt was made by Nicholas I during the famine of 1840.
And although potatoes truly saved many families from starvation at that time, the attitude towards them among the general population remained mostly negative. Especially vehement were the Old Believers, who claimed that potatoes were the very fruit that caused Adam and Eve to be expelled from Paradise. Thus, the nickname "devil's apple" stuck to it.
Exquisite Delicacy
From 1840 to 1844, there were even potato riots in Russia — peasants massively burned potato fields, protesting against an incomprehensible and foreign agricultural culture that had replaced the familiar wheat, turnips, and cabbage. But times change, and so do customs. In the 18th-19th centuries, potatoes became a favorite delicacy among many representatives of the aristocracy, and soon it became fashionable among peasants as well.
True, for this, Nicholas I had to resort to cunning. He prohibited peasants from planting potatoes, preserving only state fields, which were strictly guarded by soldiers. But only during the day. At night, however, peasants began stealing potatoes from the fields, deciding that if something was guarded, it must have some value. Soon, potatoes began to grow on all peasant allotments.
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