Before we munch on them, it's important to know a little bit about what potatoes are. Potatoes are a type of starchy tuber that grows underground. They're part of the Solanaceae, or nightshade family which also includes tomatoes, aubergines, and peppers. There are over 4,000 varieties of potato grown all over the world and they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. The most common type of potato in the UK is the Maris Piper, closely followed by the King Edward and Desiree potatoes. These actually are all different types of potato, but they all have one thing in common – they're perfect for roasting! Moreover, potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin C, B6, potassium, and fibre. They're also low in calories and fat, making them a great option if you're trying to watch your weight. Plus, they're gluten-free, so they're perfect for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. What makes potatoes so popular and somehow became a staple in almost every cuisine is that they can be used in so many different ways. You can boil them, fry them, bake them, or even mash them! And, as we mentioned before, they go with pretty much everything you can think of.