Do Potatoes Plants Have Small Fruit That Looks Like Tomatoes?

While walking through a garden, you may have come across small fruit-like structures on potato plants, that look somewhat like cherry tomatoes. But are these structures actual fruits or just some unusual growths? Here is an in-depth explanation of what these small fruit-like structures on potato plants really are.

What Are Potato Fruits?

Let's start by answering the question that's been on your mind: Yes, potato plants do produce small fruit-like structures. However, they are not actually fruits, in the botanical sense. These structures are called "potato fruits" or "potato berries" and are more akin to seed pods.

The potato fruit is a berry that is formed after the potato plant blossoms. It is bright green in color and has a round shape, similar to a cherry tomato. The fruit is small, usually only about the size of a marble, and contains many seeds. The seed distribution within the fruit may vary between individual plants, but each fruit can contain up to 300 viable seeds.

Why Don't We Eat Potato Fruits?

Now that we know what potato fruits are, you may be wondering why they are not commonly used as food. The simple answer is that potato fruits are poisonous. The berries contain a toxic compound called solanine, which is also found in other nightshade plants like tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers.

If ingested, solanine can cause serious health problems, including seizures and even death. As a result, potato fruit consumption is not recommended. In fact, potato fruits should be carefully removed from potato plants and discarded, to prevent accidental ingestion.

What Is the Purpose of Potato Fruits?

If potato fruits are poisonous and not meant for human consumption, then what is their purpose? As mentioned earlier, potato fruits are actually seed pods. Their main purpose is to produce seeds that can be used for plantation and reproduction.

Each potato fruit contains many viable seeds that can be used to grow new potato plants. These seeds are normally used in the breeding of new varieties of potato plants, rather than in actual food production.

Conclusion

In conclusion, potato plants do produce small fruit-like structures that look like tomatoes, but these structures are poisonous and should not be ingested. Potato fruits are seed pods that contain many viable seeds for reproducing new potato plants. Although not commonly used for food production, potato fruits play an important role in the cultivation and breeding of new potato varieties.