The flesh of the tuber is usually white or light yellow, although in some Andean varieties it is purple. These eyes, rather than the seeds of the fruit, are planted to grow a new crop. Tubers are rich in carbohydrates, protein, calcium, niacin and vitamin C. Tubers are cooked fresh and can also be frozen or dried. They are processed into flour, starch, and alcohol and are used as fodder, especially in Europe.
Potatoes are the fourth largest world crop, surpassed only by wheat, rice, and corn.
Introduced into Europe by 16th-century Spanish explorers. A potato blight caused the crop to fail during the period 1845 - 1847. About 1 million people died in Ireland and an equal number emigrated to N. America. Seed pieces are typically 1.5 to 2 oz. Use of certified seed pieces reduces tuber-borne diseases.