Eating healthy is vital to health. Classification of crops helps us to understand their nutrient content so that we can make healthy food choices. The naming convention of crops is based on different criteria such as uses, life span, and appearance. One crop can therefore appear in many categories depending on the classification criteria. For example, jute is a vegetable crop as well as a fiber crop.
Potatoes are edible tuber crops that originated in America. They are cultivated for their nutritious root that grows under the soil and comes in various sizes and types. Potatoes have been nourishing the world for ages. Because potatoes do not grow from flowers, they are not fruits but vegetables.
There seems to be confusion with classifying some fruits and vegetables. This confusion arose from the different naming conventions available- botanical, scientific and culinary classifications. Vegetables and fruits are important parts of our diet, and both have recommended daily intake for different age groups.
Similarities of Fruit and Vegetables
- They are naturally low in calories, sodium, and fat, making them suitable for many cuisines.
- They are both aerial or underground edible parts of plants used as food.
- Their cooking methods are similar, and they are often paired together in various cuisines.
- Their sugars do not increase blood sugar levels when metabolized.
Differences Between Fruit and Vegetables
- Fruits have seeds, while vegetables include the stem, root, and leaves
- Fruits usually develop on the plant, while other parts of the plants are vegetables.
- Fruits are often prepared as desserts, while vegetables are the main dish.
- From a culinary point of view, fruits are either sweet or sour, and vegetables are either mild or savory.
Classification of Potatoes
Like other crops, potatoes can be classified based on their uses, lifespan, and appearance.
Based on uses, potatoes are vegetables, root, and tuber crops. They are also classified as annual crops and dicots based on their lifespan and appearance respectively.
Potatoes as vegetables
Vegetables are the edible parts of plants. They are of varying types with different forms and textures. Potatoes are classified as starchy vegetables as they are mainly grown for their starch-laden, edible root that grows underground. Other vegetables include carrots tomatoes, okra, etc
Potatoes as Roots and tuber crops
Root and tuber crops are crops that have the main edible plant part in the soil. These underground parts are full of starch and they come in various forms. Potatoes are cultivated for the underground root that serves as food. Other roots and tuber crops include cocoyam, sweet potatoes, etc.
Potatoes as annual crops
Annual plants are plants that have to be regrown once they die, they complete their lifecycle in one season and don’t rejuvenate when they die off. Potatoes are annual plants since they die off after harvesting and need to be regrown. However, they are available throughout the year in many parts of the world. Other annual plants are watermelon, corn, etc.
Facts About potatoes
- Potatoes come from the Spanish word ‘patata’
- Potatoes are botanically related to eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes
- An average potato contains 100 calories
- Potato leaves and stems are poisonous.
- Most of the nutrients in potatoes are on their skin, so it’s best to cook them before peeling off their skin.
- Washing potatoes before storage speeds up their decay.
Conclusion
Potatoes are root vegetables that contain a lot of vitamins as well as starch. Different naming conventions have confused their classification as fruits or vegetables. Potatoes are also said to be too high in carbs, but they are less carb-dense than rice and pasta. However, before you go on exploring potato recipes to add to your diet, consider getting the green light from your doctor.
FAQ
1. Are potatoes healthy?
Regardless of the debate about their starch content, potatoes have a lot of nutrients and fiber that help promote sound health and ward off illnesses. But moderation is key to everything, you must ensure not to exceed the required daily amount of carbohydrates especially if you have health challenges.
2. Will potatoes make me fat?
Potatoes are healthy foods and they remain so when boiled or cooked with other vegetables. However, the carb and fat content of potatoes increases when cooked with oil or fat. Weight gain also depends on a lot of other factors, so eating potatoes only cannot make you fat.
3. Why is potato not a fruit?
Potatoes grow as underground roots that store a lot of starch. They are not fruits, but they bear poisonous fruits from their blossom.
4. Why are potatoes vegetables?
They are grown for the edible part of the plant that is used as food and they are related to other vegetables in the nightshade family. But unlike their leafy and fruit relatives, potatoes are leafy vegetables.
