The potato is a starchy, tuberous crop from the perennial nightshade Solanum tuberosum. It is a very important food source and is used both as a vegetable and as a source of starch. Potatoes are a rich source of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are also very versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, boiling, frying, and roasting. Potatoes are native to the Andes region of South America, but they are now grown in many parts of the world.