The potato ( Solanum tuberosum) is an herbaceous annual that grows up to 100 cm (40 inches) tall . As the potato plant grows, its compound leaves manufacture starch that is transferred to the ends of its underground stems (or stolons). The stems thicken to form a few or as many as 20 tubers close to the soil surface.
What is the origin of potato?
The potato is a root vegetable native to the Americas, a starchy tuber of the plant Solanum tuberosum, and the plant itself, a perennial in the family Solanaceae. Wild potato species, originating in modern-day Peru, can be found throughout the Americas, from the United States to southern Chile.
Let’s take a scroll and appreciate the potato and all of its various forms. Baked potato 2. Loaded baked potato 3. Mashed potato 4. French fries 5. Curly fries 6. Waffle fries 7. Steak fries 8., and potato wedges .
Why do potatoes mold?
Mold on potatoes – rot caused by fungal and bacterial infections The fight against them is complicated by the abundant damage to the soil and the complexity of its processing . The development of rot is facilitated by violations of the rules of crop rotation and agricultural technology – irrigation and fertilization.
The most common answer is: when it comes to mold spots, if there is a small patch of mold on the potato, it doesn’t mean the vegetable’s time is up . As long as the area with the moldy spot is easy to cut off and takes up only a small portion of the potato, the food is still salvageable. Just remove the mold piece and cook the rest.
This of course begs the query “Why do potatoes get green spots?”
Green spots are also developed when the potato is stored in an area where it receives direct sunlight . The green spots mean that there is a presence of a toxin called solanine. Small green spots can be cut off and discarded so that the unaffected part can still be used.
How to tell if mashed potatoes are bad?
This is especially true for mashed potatoes. In the beginning, you can see a clear liquid above the mashed potato. You can simply mix it back and use it. However, if the mashed potato develops a white haze , along with a sour-smelling odor, you should throw it away.