Potatoes

Potatoes are one of the most popular foods in the world. They grow underground as part of a leafy green plant. A potato is a special kind of root called a tuber. Potatoes can be brown, red, yellow, or even purple. You can mash them, fry them, bake them, or boil them.

Growing Underground

Potato plants grow above the ground with green leaves and small flowers. But the part we eat grows below the soil. Farmers plant small pieces of potato with eyes, and new plants grow from them. When the plant is ready, farmers dig up the potatoes. One plant can make many potatoes at once.

A Food for Everyone

Potatoes came from South America thousands of years ago. Today they are eaten all over the world. They give you energy because they have lots of carbohydrates. Potatoes also have vitamin C and potassium. Some people say french fries are the most famous potato dish of all.

Fun Facts

• The potato was the first vegetable ever grown in space.
• China grows more potatoes than any other country.
• The word potato comes from a Native American word batata.

Did You Know?

Never eat a green potato. When potatoes turn green, they can have a chemical that is not safe to eat.