10 Bizarre Things We Used To Believe

The Colombian exchange refers to the transfer of people, plants and animals from the Americas to Europe and Asia. It's amazing how many things we associate with a country don't actually originate from said country.

Before the 15th and 16th century horses were not found in America, India had no chilis, and the potato was not used in Europe at all.

Spanish sailors are thought to be the first to bring the potato to the old world. We now know the tuber as probably the most popular vegetable in Europe, but it took its time to reach the popularity it enjoys today.

For a time in the mid-1700s the potato was forbidden in France (save as livestock feed and only for the poorest of farmers). The potato was distrusted and thought to cause leprosy.

Antoine-Augustin Parmentier is the man credited with changing attitudes. During the Seven Years' War he was imprisoned by the Prussians (who had no problem with potatoes) and after several days of being given only potatoes was forced to eat them or face starvation.

Once he realised nothing bad happened he spent the rest of his time post-war promoting the vegetable which has become a staple of French cuisine today.