When potatoes first came to Europe, it took a while for this crop to spread and become a part of their diet. Many believed that potatoes were food for the lower class. However, “eventually its productivity in cold climates and its nutritional advantages were recognized, and during the 18th century its cultivation expanded rapidly, particularly in Germany, Poland, and Russia," (Newson). Because these countries are located in a colder climate, this means that many crops can not grow there. But having potatoes meant that the Europeans had a stable food supply that they could rely on even during colder seasons. Additionally, the nutritional benefits that came from potatoes helped in population growth, leading to less starvation and food related deaths. Finally, the Columbian Exchange led people to connect food to certain countries/regions. For example, "the foods that today are often associated with countries' so-called traditional cuisines were not found in those places before 1492. Italians ate no tomatoes and the Irish no potatoes,”