A potato is a tuber. Originally from South America the potato is now grown and used as a foodstuff in most parts of the world, and is valued for its relative ease of growing and its high carbohydrate content. It is also extremely versatile in the kitchen, and can be served boiled, roasted, baked, shallow-fried or deep-fried. There is a large number of varieties of potato, each of which has its own qualities and uses.