How many varieties of potato exist?

The potato belongs to the species Solanum tuberosum. There are more than 5,000 potato varieties grown around the world, classified into over 200 subspecies. They can be divided into three main groups:

1. Solanum tuberosum Group Tuberosum: This group includes typical potato varieties, which are cultivated worldwide. They are characterized by white flesh, long oval tubers, and an average size.

2. Solanum tuberosum Group Andigenum: This group comprises varieties that originated in the Andean region of South America. They have yellow, red, or purple flesh, irregular tuber shapes, and are adapted to high altitudes and cold climates.

3. Solanum tuberosum Group Phureja: This group includes potato varieties that originated in the Andes. They are generally smaller in size and have a rounded shape. They are often used for soups and stews due to their unique texture and flavor.

These three main groups encompass numerous different potato varieties with distinct characteristics in terms of color, size, shape, taste, and suitability for different culinary purposes.