There are now more than 80 varieties of potatoes available in the UK, but particularly good this month are delicious Jersey Royals, which are bigger now than the little marbles that appeared at the beginning of April.

Potatoes sometimes get a bad press for causing obesity, but in fact they are low in fat and can be part of a healthy diet: it is how we cook the potatoes and the ingredients that we add to them, such as butter or oil, that potentially racks up the calories.

As well as being low in fat, potatoes are also a good source of vitamins and minerals. They contain vitamin B1 (thiamin), which our bodies need to help release energy from carbohydrate and is needed for healthy heart function. Potatoes contain other B vitamins too, including folic acid, vital for healthy cells and particularly important for pregnant women.

Potatoes are also one of our main dietary sources of vitamin C - which can help us fight stress, infections, allergies and asthma. Vitamin B6, needed for red blood cells and the nervous and immune systems, is also found in potatoes. There is evidence that B6 may be of benefit if you suffer from premenstrual tension, asthma or diabetes.

Every cell in our body requires potassium to function, of which potatoes are a good source. The fibre content of potatoes, particularly in the skin, is also a great benefit and may help to reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Pureed potato is an ideal first weaning food for babies or for the sick or convalescing because it is so easy to digest and has a mild taste. And for children suffering from constipation, soluble fibre-rich foods such as potatoes can help.

Boiled new potatoes, halved and mixed with griddled asparagus spears and topped with poached egg, freshly ground black pepper and balsamic dressing, is a perfect early-summer lunch.