The introduction of potatoes led to a rapid population increase in Europe during the first half of the 19th century. https://www.history-magazine.com/potato.ht

The introduction of potatoes led to a rapid population increase in Europe during the first half of the 19th century. https://www.history-magazine.com/potato.html https://www.history-magazine.com/potato.html Sugar cane and sweet potatoes also produce similar calories per acre, depending on the soil, climate, etc. Sugar also has the advantage of being durable to ship. It could be produced in high volumes on tropical plantations and shipped to Europe. Before bulk ocean shipping of food, population was generally limited by calorie production in the local area.