POTATOES

If you haven’t seen the flower of a potato plant it can be hard to accept that this boring tuber is related to peppers, tomatoes, aubergine and chili. Up until the nineteenth century it was mostly grown for its beautiful flowers.

Peel less, pay more

For potatoes to retain as much as possible of their nutrients – vitamins B and C, fibers, minerals and potassium – they should be eaten with the skin on. Today almost potatoes are washed when you buy them, which makes it even easier to leave the skin on. But sometimes what you want is a smooth, creamy purée with plenty of butter rather than maximizing the amount of nutrients.

Potatoes are often sprayed against pests. Pay a bit extra for organic and see whether it adds to the flavor.

potato guide