Yukon Gold Potatoes growing in the resting compost!

Potatoes belong to the Solanaceae or nightshade family and are indigenous to the Andes, although wild potato species occur from the United States to southern Chile.

Potatoes were introduced outside the Andes region about four centuries ago, and have since become an integral part of much of the world's food supply. They are the world's fourth-largest food crop, following maize, wheat, and rice.

Potato plants are herbaceous perennials that grow about 24 in high, depending on variety, with the leaves dying back after flowering, fruiting and tuber formation. They are mostly cross pollinated by insects such as bumblebees, which carry pollen from other potato plants, though a substantial amount of self-fertilizing occurs as well.

A medium size potato with the skin provides 27 mg of vitamin C, 620 mg of potassium, 0.2 mg vitamin B6, and trace amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, folate, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.

Potatoes are healthy choice and best served with lots of greens instead of protein. They are served in countless ways hot and cold all over the world.

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