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Solanum tuberosum is the Latin name for this member of the nightshade family on whose roots the tubers grow underground. Potatoes grow from one single tuber. They are generally planted in April and then allowed to shoot. Once the shoots have broken through the ground these grow into stalks and form leaves. The roots grow underground and about eight to 12 potatoes grow on the root of each plant. The crop is harvested after four to five months. Above ground the potato plant develops blossoms, which develop into small green fruits.
In the meantime the potato is cultivated in 180 countries across the globe. It is regarded as one of the most uncomplicated of all plants as it grows under diverse climatic conditions, from sea level up to a height of 4500 metres. Potatoes like a loose, dry warm soil, preferably a sandy soil or a sandy loam soil.
Countless potato varieties
In Europe alone there are over 600 varieties of potato. Whether or not a new variety of potato may be launched on the market is decided upon by the Plant Variety Authorities. Sometimes it takes years before a new variety has passed all the necessary tests.
Potatoes may be divided into three different types for cooking. The cooking qualities depend on the starch content: the higher the starch content, the more a potato is described as floury. Other criteria are the shape of the potato and the colour of its flesh, and the preferences of the consumer.
- Waxy potatoes generally have an elongated oval tuber shape, do not break up when boiled, have a compact consistency and fine grains, are moist, and have a stronger flavour. They are the most common form of potato as they are suited to virtually every kind of dish.
- General-purpose potatoes break up very little when cooked, are not very moist, have fine grains, and have a milder flavour.
- Floury potatoes tend to break up more when boiled, are fluffier and drier once cooked, have coarser grains, and a pleasantly strong flavour.
Sweet potatoes – the delicious competitor?
In Europe they were once regarded as a delicacy. Above all in England they were more popular than the "normal" potato. Henry VIII is said to have been very fond of the sweet variety of potato – he believed that eating this variety would increase his potency, and this is how the tuber gained its reputation as an aphrodisiac. Although the sweet potato (or yam as it is also known) has a similar appearance and cooking qualities to the "normal" potato, they are not related in any way.
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