Potato

Herbaceous, perennial plant, cultivated as an annual plant. Its stems are round to angular in cross-section and form edges from which wings or ribs are formed. They are generally green in colour and can vary from red to purple. Its leaves are compound. Its hermaphrodite flowers are self-pollinating and vary in colour from white to purple according to the variety. Its fruit, a spherical or ovoid berry from 1 to 3 cm in diameter, with two chambers enclosing small, oval, flattened seeds that are generally green in colour, only form in cold regions. The plant develops characteristic tubers that represent the swollen ends of the stolons, where its energy is stored. Their thickness, colour and shape vary greatly from round to long and more or less flattened according to the variety.

Latin name

Solanum tuberosum L.

Origin

It originates in South America, more precisely in the region of the Andes, near Lake Titicaca. It was only in the 16th centuries that explorers and Spanish conquistadors discovered it and brought it to Europe. It was introduced to Africa and Asia only after the 20th century and its geographical expansion continues today.

Used part

The tubers.

Active components

Alcaloids (chaconine, solanine): it is presumed that these substances are responsible for the antispasmodic and antacid action. In high quantities, they are toxic.

Usage

Like the other members of the solanaceae family, all of the green parts of the potato plant are toxic. However, the tubers are edible as long as they are not exposed to too much light, because they may then contain toxic quantities of solanine. Potatoes are an important source of carbohydrates. It is therefore one of the most commonly cultivated foods in the world. Its vitamin, mineral and fibre content makes it a healthy vegetable. Potato starch is a fundamental ingredient in the production of vodka, but also for biodegradable plastic. Freshly pressed potato juice is used as a traditional remedy for hyperacidity problems in Germany and Switzerland, due to its supposed antispasmodic and antacid effects. _1,2

Bibliographical references

The health claims that feature on our website in relation to the plants contained in our products are compliant with the list of health claims awaiting final assessment by the Community authorities (cf. website of the European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/nuhclaims/). However, they may be subject to modification following their assessment by the national competent authorities.

The health claims relating to other nutrients or substances contained in our products that feature on our site are compliant with Regulation No. 432/2012 of the Commission of 16 May 2012 which establishes a list of authorised health claims authorised in relation to food products, other than those in reference to the reduction of the risk of disease as well as community-based development and child health (cf. website of the European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/nuhclaims/).