The potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a starchy, tuberous vegetable that originated in the highlands of the Andes, in modern-day Peru and Bolivia, where they were first domesticated 7,000 to 10,000 years ago. It belongs to the nightshade family, Solanaceae. There are over 4,000 different varieties of potatoes worldwide, with more than 200 sold in the United States alone. Potatoes are now a staple food in many parts of the world and the third most important food crop worldwide after rice and wheat.
Potatoes are considered a nutritional powerhouse, providing carbohydrates, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. A medium potato with skin offers 27mg of vitamin C, which is 30% of the daily value, and 620mg of potassium, 15% of the daily value – more than a banana. They also contain about 3 grams of protein, which is a surprisingly high amount compared to other vegetables. Potatoes were the first vegetable grown in space in 1995. Besides being a food source, potatoes have other uses, including the production of alcoholic beverages like vodka, animal fodder, starch for thickening agents, and even biodegradable plastics.
