Strangely, potato is one of the rare crops that has not originated from the old world. It originates from the Andes Mountains in South America. Potatoes are one of the most important crops which has the potential of combating the global hunger problem. Potatoes arrived in Turkey some 150 years ago to the east of the country via Russia and Caucasia and to the west via European countries. Potatoes are grown in almost all parts of the country however; Central Anatolia is the centre. Potato varieties according to maturation time are:
1- Very Early Maturing: less than 80 days
2- Early Maturing: 81-90 days
3- Mid Early Maturing: 91-110 days
4- Late Maturing: 111-120 days
5- Very Late Maturing: more than 120 days.
More than 40 varieties of potatoes are grown in Turkey which are categorised into 3 groups based on their culinary purpose: mashing, frying and boiling potatoes.