Science & Nature • Agriculture

Potato

A potato is the starchy edible tuber of the plant *Solanum tuberosum*, which belongs to the nightshade family.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A potato is the starchy edible tuber of the plant *Solanum tuberosum*, which belongs to the nightshade family. It is one of the world’s major food crops and is eaten in many forms, including boiled, baked, mashed, and fried. Potatoes are native to the Americas, especially the Andean region of South America.

Classification and origin

The cultivated potato is *Solanum tuberosum*, a plant in the nightshade family. It originated in the Andean region of South America and was domesticated and cultivated there long before becoming a global crop.

Uses and culinary forms

Potatoes are eaten as a vegetable and also processed into products such as potato flour and starch. They are used in dishes worldwide and may be served whole, mashed, roasted, fried, or baked.

Nutrition and health

Potatoes are a source of carbohydrates and provide several micronutrients, including vitamin C and potassium. Their healthfulness depends heavily on preparation; frying and adding large amounts of salt or fat reduces nutritional quality.

Cultivation

Potatoes are grown from seed tubers or pieces of tuber containing buds, usually in loose, well-drained soil. They are typically planted in cool weather, hilled as they grow, and harvested after the foliage dies back.

Key facts

Potatoes are underground stem tubers, not true roots.
They are a staple food in many countries and a major global crop.
The skin colour is commonly brown, red, or yellow, with flesh that may be white, yellow, or other colours.
Potatoes can be prepared in many ways, including boiling, baking, mashing, roasting, and frying.
Green parts, sprouts, and leaves can contain toxic glycoalkaloids and should not be eaten.

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Canadian context

Potatoes are an important crop and food staple in Canada, with major production in provinces such as Prince Edward Island, Alberta, Manitoba, and New Brunswick. They are a common ingredient in Canadian diets and food processing.

Frequently asked questions

What is a potato?

A potato is the starchy edible tuber of *Solanum tuberosum*, a plant in the nightshade family. The tuber grows underground and is widely eaten as a vegetable.

How many calories are in a potato?

Calories vary by size and preparation. A reference amount of 100 g of boiled potato with skin has about 87 calories, while baking, frying, or adding toppings changes the total.

What are the different types of potatoes?

Common categories include starchy potatoes, waxy potatoes, and all-purpose potatoes. Examples often include russet, red, yellow, and fingerling potatoes, which differ in texture and cooking use.

How to grow potatoes?

Potatoes are usually grown by planting seed potatoes or cut pieces with at least one eye in loose, fertile, well-drained soil. They need regular watering, earthing-up or hilling as they grow, and harvesting after the plants mature.

Are potatoes healthy?

Potatoes can be part of a healthy diet because they provide carbohydrates, vitamin C, and potassium. They are less healthy when deep-fried or served with large amounts of salt, butter, or other high-fat toppings.

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/potato
Supports: Scientific name, family, native range, crop status, and uses.
Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potato
Supports: Definition as the edible tuber of Solanum tuberosum and common alternate names.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potato
Supports: Reference nutrition values, tuber description, and glycoalkaloid toxicity context.
Study.com — https://study.com/academy/lesson/potato-overview-origin-examples.html
Supports: Basic cultivation description, nutrition overview, and health notes.
Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/potato
Supports: General description of the potato as a vegetable that grows underground.