The sweet potato is only distantly related to the actual potato. It is the edible root of a traveling vine and a member of the Convolvulaceae family along with other herbaceous perennial vines, trees and shrubs. It is the storage organ of the plant, storing nutrients and carbohydrates which sustain its above ground shoots, vines, foliage and flowers. It is considered one of the most important root vegetables cultivated for food.

The sweet potato, regardless of flesh color, maintains its appearance in shape in all varieties. Its roughly ovate and cylindric with tapered ends. Its flesh can vary from white to yellow to orange. The lighter the flesh, the less sweet its flavor will be. The deep orange fleshed sweet potato varieties are the sweetest, thus often confused with yams. Sweet potatoes have a moist and less starchy flesh than yams, giving them more culinary versitality.

Nutritional Value

Sweet potatoes are nutritionally high in beta carotene and Vitamin A, rich with carbohydrates and if eaten in large quantities can provide sufficient daily protein requirements. Orange fleshed sweet potatoes are naturally higher in Vitamin C than lighter fleshed varieties.

Serving Ideas

Sweet potatoes should not be refrigerated, rather they should be stored loose in a cool, dry place avoid from sunlight.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

In the United States, the terms "sweet potato" and "yam" are often used interchangeably, though they are neither members of the same family nor do they have similar characteristics in skin and flesh flavor or texture.

Geography/History

Sweet potatoes are of New World origin, specifically Peru and Ecuador. They have been naturalized throughout tropical and temperate regions from East to West. They do not tolerate frost, drought or excessive rain. Once harvested, they are often cured. This is a a common method of practice that allows the sweet potatoes to dry on land for a few hours, then storing @ 85 Degrees fahrenheit for up to two weeks. Curing improves flavor, nutrition and storage quality, allowing the root vegetable to keep up to six months in cool dry storage.

Seasons/Availability

Sweet potatoes are available year round.