The idea for this book arose from the large number of requests to the International Potato Center (Centro Internacional de la Papa) for information on consumption and nutritional aspects of potatoes. There was clearly a need for an up-to-date review, particularly in respect of developing countries. Within its mandate to disseminate information on potatoes, the International Potato Center funded this review of the potato's nutritional value. The work was part of a larger three-year project on potato consumption and utilization in developing countries carried out by Dr Susan Poats.

Over 700 titles concerning various aspects of the potato as a food were collected, and Chapters 1 to 5 survey this literature. Because there are few data available on potato consumption in developing countries, Chapter 6 presents the results of some case studies in the tropics by Dr Poats.

I hope that the book provides useful information for, and stimulus to, the work of all those concerned with the greater exploitation of the potato as a food contributing significantly to the health and well-being of humankind. It may also be of value to the interested casual reader who simply wishes to learn more about the dietary role of potatoes.