Products : Vegetables : Potatoe

The potato (Solanum tuberosum), also known as potato, is a plant belonging to the Solanaceae family. It is cultivated for its edible tubers, which are rich in starch and provide a food of high nutritional value.
It is a plant native to the highlands of Mexico, Peru, Chile and Colombia, areas where Indians, Incas and Aztecs lived. It was brought from South America to Spain by Spanish explorers and quickly spread throughout Europe.
It is widespread in Greece and is part of the basic diet of the population[1]. It was brought to Greece by Ioannis Kapodistrias, according to the widely held belief[2]. At first it was cultivated on a limited scale, experimentally, in the area of Tirynsha. However, other sources place the cultivation of the potato in Greece before the arrival of Kapodistrias in the country.
Potato production was very important, especially during the difficult years of the World Wars, as it fed and kept many people alive. It thrives best in a cool, moist climate. Germany, Russia and Poland are the largest potato producing countries in Europe.

Cypriot potato blush
The Cypriot potato is famous for its delicious taste and firm texture. It is easily distinguished by its reddish colour, which is obtained from the fertile red soil of Kokkinochoria where it is mainly cultivated. It is also grown in the area west of Nicosia (Akaki, Peristerona and Astromeritis). The main cultivated varieties are Spunta, Marfona, Cara, Nicola, Sieglinde, Diamant, Timate, Liseta, Charlotte, Ditta, Filea, Superstar, etc.
The exact period and conditions under which the potatoes were imported into Cyprus are not documented. Potatoes were an important food crop on the island before Cyprus became a British colony in 1878. The first reported import of potato seeds is in 1909. Until Independence in 1960, the island exported potatoes mainly to Britain and Western Europe.
It can be cooked in many ways such as baked, roasted, boiled, fried, stuffed, mashed, etc. It is also used as an ingredient in various other dishes.

Period during which First Fruit Stand markets the potato: All year round