The vegetable that could save the world from hunger but was once banned from being grown because it was... too ugly is potatoes.

Potatoes, one of the most important crops in the world, have helped improve the nutrition of millions of people. However, in the 18th century, potatoes were considered "ugly" and were not popular. The main reason for this was their unattractive shape, with rough skin that might discourage people from eating them.

Reasons potatoes were once banned from cultivation:

1. Unattractive appearance: Potatoes have thick skin and often come in irregular shapes, making many people reluctant to eat them. Many countries and regions had prejudices against this crop because they did not see it as a "premium" food like other grains.

2. Suspicion about safety: At that time, people didn't fully understand the nutritional value of potatoes. They feared that potatoes could cause poisoning because they contain solanine, a natural toxin, if not grown or stored correctly.

3. Religious and cultural reasons: In some cultures, potatoes were considered "the devil's crop" because their underground growth led people to associate them with negative connotations. Moreover, because potatoes are easy to grow and produce high yields, people feared they would replace traditional food sources.

However, potatoes have proven their worth:

Potatoes are not only a source of carbohydrates, but they are also rich in vitamin C, potassium, and other essential nutrients. They are especially easy to grow and can adapt to various climates, helping to reduce hunger and malnutrition in many areas of the world.

Therefore, although once considered "ugly," potatoes are now seen as one of the most important food sources and can help address global hunger issues.