The potato comes from the Solanum tuberosum plant and is starchy tuber root vegetable. 

The Spanish introduced Potatoes to Europe in the second half of the 16th century, from the Americas and there are now over 5000 varieties of potato.

The English word potato comes from Spanish patata which is the name used in Spain.

Potatoes tend to fall into one of two categories either floury or waxy.

Waxy potatoes hold their shape and are firmer, so they’re great for salads.

Floury potatoes fluff up when they’re cooked making them perfect for chips, roast potatoes or baking.

But there are varieties that fall in the centre, holding both waxy and firm qualities. These make great all-rounders.