Sweet Potatoes

Get Sweet On Potatoes

If you’ve always believed that yams and sweet potatoes are interchangeable, you’re not alone. There’s a bit of confusion surrounding this delightful veggie. Unless you’re shopping at an international market that imports true yams from the Caribbean, the “yams” you see in most grocery stores are actually a variety of sweet potato grown in the south. This is because several decades ago when the soft variety of sweet potatoes were introduced in the U.S., producers and shippers wanted to distinguish them from the firm variety we were already calling sweet potatoes. Because they look similar to their Caribbean cousins, the African word “nyami” was adopted in its English form, “yam”. But the two vegetables definitely have their differences.

What’s Your Story, Morning Glory?

Sweet potatoes — which are related to the morning glory family — taste sweeter than yams and are typically moister when cooked. They are also much higher in beta-carotene than yams. In fact, they are actually one of the most nutritious foods in the vegetable group. Each sweet potato has loads of calcium, potassium and vitamins A and C, and E helping to keep away your kid’s next winter cold.

Sweeten Your Pot

So whether you call them yams or sweet potatoes, these versatile veggies are great for baking. Try substituting these vibrantly colored, vitamin-filled veggies in recipes that call for apples, squash or regular potatoes. Your kids and family will enjoy the rich, velvety flavor, and you can be sure everyone is getting plenty of antioxidants, fiber and beta-carotene without any fat or cholesterol.

Pick, Store & Prep Sweet Potatoes

When selecting your sweet potato, you want to look for those that are smooth, plump, dry and clean. The potato should feel firm and be free from any sprouts, bruises, wrinkles or decay. One little bad spot can affect the flavor of an entire potato — even if you cut it away.

Store

Once you bring the batch home, you should keep them at in a cool (55 - 60° F), dry place like a pantry or garage. Storing sweet potatoes in a refrigerator will take away some of their flavor and can cause the veggie to develop a hard core. If you can keep them stored at the recommended temperature, sweet potatoes can last for about a month. If kept at room temperature, you’ll want to cook your sweet potatoes within a week or so.

Prep

You won’t need to wash your sweet potatoes until you’re ready to cook them. If you do it earlier, this could lead to spoiling. Most of the nutrients in these veggies are next to the skin, so try to cook them whole whenever possible. The skin is also much easier to remove after being cooked. If you decide to skin your potatoes before cooking them, make sure you use a stainless steel knife. Carbon blades can cause the flesh to darken and taste a little off. And when you’re cutting the skin away, make sure you peel deep enough to remove the hard layer beneath the skin to avoid having them turning dark when cooked. No matter how you choose to prepare your sweet potatoes, you can be sure your kids will love the sweet taste and the fun, orange color.

Sweet Potato Recipes

This superstar veggie is packed with everything a growing body needs to stay healthy and strong. As a colorful and nutritious alternative, try substituting sweet potatoes in any recipe that calls for regular potatoes.

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  Sweet Potato Spread

  Try this delicious, nutritious dip at your next house party. It’s sure to be an instant hit.

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  Sweet Potato Fries

  A delectable and healthy twist on a kid-friendly classic

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  Double Stuffed Carrot Sweet Potatoes

  The sweetest veggies of the bunch. Kids can’t resist them.

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  Sweet Potato, Carrot, Apple and Red Lentil Soup

  A nutritious soup with just the right touch of sweetness.

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