Peru's Inca Indians first grew potatoes in the Andes in about 200 B.C. Spanish conquistadors brought potatoes to Europe, and colonists brought them to America. Potatoes are fourth on the list of the world's food staples – after wheat, corn and rice. Today, Americans consume about 140 pounds of potatoes per person every year while Europeans eat twice as many. Potatoes are fourth on the list of the world's food staples – after wheat, corn and rice. What does "staples" mean in the above context?

One of our favorite ways to eat potatoes is in the form of potato chips. While Benjamin Franklin was the US ambassador to France, he went to a banquet where potatoes were prepared in 20 different ways. Thomas Jefferson, who succeeded Franklin as our French ambassador, brought the recipe for thick-cut, French-fried potatoes to America. He served French fries to guests at the White House in 1802 and at his home, Monticello. Thomas Jefferson, who succeeded Franklin as our French ambassador, brought the recipe for thick-cut, French-fried potatoes to America. What does "succeeded" mean in the context above?

Peru's Inca Indians first grew potatoes in the Andes in about 200 B.C. Spanish conquistadors brought potatoes to Europe, and colonists brought them to America. Potatoes are fourth on the list of the world's food staples – after wheat, corn and rice. Today, Americans consume about 140 pounds of potatoes per person every year while Europeans eat twice as many. Today, Americans consume about 140 pounds of potatoes per person every year while Europeans eat twice as many. What does the word "consume" mean in the context above?