Solanum tuberosum

Solanum tuberosum, commonly known as the potato, is a starchy, tuberous crop from the perennial nightshade family, Solanaceae. It is native to the Andes region of South America and is the world's fourth-largest food crop, following rice, wheat, and maize.

History

The potato was first domesticated in the region of modern-day southern Peru and extreme northwestern Bolivia between 8000 and 5000 BC. It has since spread around the world and is a staple food in many countries.

Description

The potato plant is a herbaceous perennial that grows about 60 cm high, depending on the variety, with the leaves dying back after flowering, fruiting and tuber formation. It blooms with white, pink, red, blue, or purple flowers with yellow stamens.

Cultivation and Production

Potatoes are grown in over 100 countries worldwide. As of 2014, the largest producers of potatoes were China, India, and Russia.

Uses

Potatoes are used for a variety of purposes, and not only as a vegetable for cooking at home. In fact, less than 50% of potatoes grown worldwide are consumed fresh. The rest are processed into potato food products and food ingredients; fed to cattle, pigs, and chickens; processed into starch for industry; and re-used as seed tubers for growing the next season’s potato crop.

Health and Nutrition

Potatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which make them very healthy. Studies have linked potatoes and their nutrients to a variety of health benefits, including improved blood sugar control, reduced heart disease risk, and higher immunity. They may also improve digestive health and combat signs of aging.

See Also

• Solanaceae
• Andes
• Rice
• Wheat
• Maize