The sweet tuber arrives in China: a socioenvironmental history of XVI century introduction of sweet potato into China, and its long duration consequences

The aim of this research is to analyze the historical impact of the introduction of sweet potatoes into Chinese society from the 16th century onwards. To this end, the trajectory of the sweet potato will be presented, from the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the New World, through its introduction into Chinese food culture, to its impact on the Sinic world in the present day. The methodology adopted is of qualitative nature, based on a wide literature review. In the final considerations, it is understood that the incorporation of sweet potatoes proved to be beneficial from an energy and social point of view, especially considering that a significant portion of the Chinese population lived in impoverished conditions. From an economic and cultural point of view, this tuber has proved to be a great asset since the end of the 20th century, while the Chinese diet has adapted to its incorporation into different recipes. Finally, the paper designates that since the 16th century, predatory sweet potato cultivation has had a major impact on forests and soil, leading to erosion and flooding, a scenario that has consequences right up to the present day.