The potato is an amazing root. Often referred to mistakenly as a vegetable, it is actually a tuber.

Potatoes are often referred to as a 'comfort food'. Why a simple starch plant provides such comfort to human beings is uncertain, but it tends to hold true.

Potatoes are both filling and tasty, and can be prepared in a variety of ways including fried, mashed, baked, boiled, and broiled.

• New potatoes, which are varieties of potato which appear early in the year, such as Arran Pilot and Jersey Royals.
• Main crop potatoes, such as King Edward, Maris Piper and Desiree.
• Speciality types, which are best used for specific dishes, such as Charlotte and Pink Fir Tree.