Tourists leave potatoes on Frederick the Great’s grave. They’re perpetuating a German myth

In a curious display of enduring folklore and national gratitude, visitors to Potsdam, Germany, often engage in a distinctive tradition: leaving potatoes on the tomb of Frederick the Great. This peculiar ritual, observed by generations, perpetuates a deeply ingrained German myth crediting the 18th-century Prussian monarch with single-handedly introducing the beloved potato to the nation, transforming it from an obscure foreign plant into an indispensable dietary staple.

While historical records reveal that potatoes were cultivated in various parts of Europe well before Frederick’s reign, his monumental influence on their widespread adoption in Germany is undeniable. The popular belief, though not entirely historically accurate in terms of initial introduction, underscores his pivotal role in overcoming public resistance and strategically integrating the humble tuber into the national diet. This enduring narrative has solidified Frederick’s image in the German consciousness not merely as a military strategist but also as a benefactor who foresightfully addressed food scarcity.

Frederick the Great’s proactive approach was critical. Faced with recurrent famines and a conservative peasantry wary of new crops, he issued his famous “potato order” in 1756, compelling farmers to cultivate the plant. More ingeniously, he employed psychological tactics: planting potatoes in his royal gardens and posting guards, implicitly making the crop appear valuable and desirable. When the guards were instructed to “look the other way,” peasants would “steal” the tubers, effectively propagating the plant and its consumption across the land. This calculated move played a significant role in changing perceptions and accelerating adoption.

The impact of the potato on German society, spurred by Frederick’s efforts, was profound and transformative. It provided a reliable, high-yield food source that significantly improved nutrition and food security, especially for the lower classes. The potato quickly became a cornerstone of the German diet, essential for survival and prosperity, intertwining itself deeply with the nation’s culinary identity and agricultural resilience. Its versatility in cooking further cemented its place as a staple food, a legacy that persists to this day.

The act of placing potatoes on Frederick’s grave is far more than a quirky custom; it is a tangible symbol of appreciation for his agricultural reforms and the lasting economic and cultural impact of the potato. It serves as an informal, direct tribute to a monarch whose actions, whether by actual introduction or strategic promotion, fundamentally reshaped the diet and well-being of his people. This unique cultural tradition bridges the gap between historical fact and cherished folklore, illustrating how a simple vegetable can become emblematic of national identity and ingenuity.

Thus, the enduring tradition at Frederick the Great’s tomb transcends his military and political achievements. It underscores a different facet of his legacy—that of an enlightened ruler concerned with the welfare of his subjects, particularly through agricultural innovation. This custom solidifies his place in the collective memory as “the Potato King,” a testament to how deeply interwoven the history of this staple food is with the narrative of German resilience and the foresight of its leaders.