2. Potatoes
When potatoes first arrived in 16th-century France, they were met with suspicion and disdain. Many believed these strange tubers could cause leprosy or were only fit for animals. For decades, potatoes were banned from human tables until advocates like Antoine-Augustin Parmentier and King Louis XVI helped shift public opinion. Today, potatoes are a beloved staple around the world, forming the backbone of countless dishes. History Channel
