The World’s Most Expensive Potato Costs ₹1 Lakh per Kilogram — And It’s Grown in France

Potatoes, often hailed as a complete food, are a staple across the world, including India, where they are affectionately called the “king of vegetables.” While in India, potatoes cost around ₹25 per kilogram, the price skyrockets in some countries due to rarity and demand.

Potato Prices Around the World

In Asia, South Korea tops the list with potatoes priced at $4.28 (≈ ₹380) per kilogram in Seoul. Japan follows at $2.95, Taiwan at $2.82, Hong Kong at $2.61, Philippines $2.46, Singapore $2.28, Indonesia $1.51, Thailand $1.49, Vietnam $1.02, China $0.98, and Malaysia $0.91 per kilogram.

Le Bonnotte: The World’s Most Expensive Potato

The Le Bonnotte potato, grown in France, holds the record for the most expensive potato in the world — costing nearly ₹1,00,000 per kilogram. Despite the staggering price, buyers eagerly line up for this rare tuber.

• Limited Production: Only 100 tons are produced worldwide each year.
• Harvest Season: Available exclusively in May and June.
• Cultivation Region: Grown on the Noirmoutier Island in the Loire region, along the Atlantic coast of France.
• Origin of Name: Named after local farmer Benoît Bonnotte, believed to be the first to cultivate this variety.
• Farming Method: Cultivated entirely by hand using traditional methods — no machinery involved.
• Characteristics: Small in size with a very thin skin, prized for its unique flavor. Typically boiled and served with butter and salt.

The potato’s exquisite taste and rarity make it a gourmet delicacy, fetching prices that few vegetables in the world can rival.

This story highlights how a humble vegetable can become a luxury item due to scarcity, cultivation methods, and demand, turning potatoes into a coveted culinary treasure.