Strangely, the potato is one of the rare crops that has not originated in the old world. It originates from the Andes Mountains in South America. Potatoes are one of the most important crops which has the potential to combat the global hunger problem. Potatoes arrived in Iran 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, Hamedan is the center. 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 20 varieties of potatoes are grown in Iran which are categorised into 3 groups based on their culinary purpose: mashing, frying and boiling potatoes.