Potatoes are starchy tubers native to the Americas. It is consumed all around the world in a variety of forms and it is considered a staple food and an integral part of the world's food supply.

Direct uses and industrial applications

First of all, potatoes are consumed peeled or with skin, whole, cut-up, seasoned or not. However, it is recommended to cook it properly in order to swell the starch granules. The most common dishes that contain potato in any of its forms are: mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, fried potatoes, potato chips, boiled or steamed potatoes, grated into hash browns or Rösti and so many more.

On the other hand, potatoes are used with other purposes other than for eating. Vodka, poitin or akvavit are alcoholic beverages brewed from potatoes. Potato starch is widely used in the food industry as a thickener and binder for soups and sauces, as a adhesive in the textile industry and for the manufacture of papers and boards

Market overview and production

Potatoes are generally grown from seed potatoes, which are specifically grown modified potatoes to provide consistent and healthy plants. Potatoes grow in five determined phases: the first one is when the root starts growing from the seed potato. Photosynthesis marks the beginning of the second stage, as the leaves and branches start their appearance. The third phase is the one in which the flowers start developing and new tubers form. The fourth phase is in which the plant starts investing the majority of its resources in the new tubers, the plant is also the most fragile, needing optimal soil moisture and nutrition and temperature as well as resistance to pest attacks. The fifth phase consists on the maturation of the tubers, and the leaves and stems harden as well as the tuber skins.