The true fruit of a potato plant, often referred to as a potato berry, is typically green, though some specific varieties develop a purple hue as they mature.
Understanding Potato Fruit
While most people associate "potato" with the starchy tuber consumed as a vegetable, the potato plant (Solanum tuberosum) also produces a true fruit. This fruit is a small, round or oval berry that develops from the flowers after pollination. It is botanically related to other members of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family, such as tomatoes and eggplants, which also produce berries.
Appearance and Characteristics
Potato berries are quite small, generally not much exceeding an inch (about 2.5 cm) in diameter, giving them an appearance similar to miniature green tomatoes. Their specific characteristics can vary slightly depending on the potato variety:
- Size: Typically small, rarely growing larger than an inch.
- Shape: Most commonly round, though some can be slightly oval.
- Texture: Possess a smooth outer skin.
Common Colors of Potato Berries
The color of a potato fruit primarily depends on its stage of maturity and the specific potato cultivar.
| Feature | Most Common Potato Berries | Specific Varieties |
|---|---|---|
| Color at Maturity | Green | Purple |
| Typical Size | Up to 1 inch diameter | Up to 1 inch diameter |
| Edibility | Not edible for humans | Not edible for humans |
Most potato fruits remain green even when they are fully mature. However, certain potato varieties are known to produce berries that naturally turn purple as they ripen. This color variation is a genetic trait of the particular plant.
Why We Don't Eat Potato Berries
Unlike the berries of tomatoes, which are a common and safe food, potato berries are not consumed by humans. This is because they contain elevated levels of solanine, a toxic glycoalkaloid. Solanine is also present in other parts of the potato plant, including the leaves, stems, and sometimes in greened potato tubers. Ingesting these berries can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and in more severe cases, neurological disturbances.
For more information on potato plant toxicity, you can refer to resources from agricultural institutions such as Purdue University.
Distinguishing Potato Berries from Tubers
It's crucial to differentiate between the potato fruit (the berry) and the potato tuber (the part commonly eaten).
- Potato Tuber: This is the enlarged underground stem that we harvest and consume. It is a significant source of carbohydrates and essential nutrients. While generally safe, tubers can also develop solanine if exposed to light and turn green.
- Potato Berry (True Fruit): This grows above ground after the plant flowers and contains small seeds. It is consistently toxic and should never be eaten.
Importance in Potato Breeding
While inedible, potato berries play a vital role in potato plant reproduction and breeding programs. The seeds inside these berries are used by plant breeders to develop new potato varieties, combining desirable traits like disease resistance, higher yield, and specific culinary qualities. This genetic diversity is essential for the continuous improvement and sustainability of potato agriculture.
For further reading on potato botany and cultivation, the University of Illinois Extension provides comprehensive details.
