The potato is said to have saved Europeans many times from famine over the course of its history. It remains one of the most common cultivated plants in the world. It is a versatile plant that can be cooked by boiling, frying or as a mash. French fries and potato chips are also popular potato products. 

The edible part of the potato is known as the tuber. It is a part of the plant's root where large quantities of starch are stored. 

A detached potato tuber can grow into a new potato plant, which means that tubers can also be used to plant potatoes.

The potato originates from America. When it arrived in Europe a few centuries ago, it quickly replaced other root vegetables as the staple of the European diet.