FoodLink - Purdue Extension

sweet potato


lpomoea batatas
Other Name(s): yam (but this term more correctly refers to the roots of the tropical species Dioscorea and is distinctly higher in starch and less sweet.)
Available from August to December

Types

There are two basic types of sweet potato.

Dry Flesh: This refers to the mouth feel, not the moisture content in the sweet potato. This sweet potato is not as sweet or soft after cooking as the moist-fleshed potato.

Moist Flesh: These sweet potatoes soften and become sweeter after cooking. People often referred to them as yams.

Preparation

Sweet potatoes can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baked and mashed.

This video demonstrates sweet potato cutting techniques.

Before using, rinse sweet potatoes under a cool stream. Depending on the recipe, peel the potatoes. You can use a vegetbale peeler or knife.  

Bake: Heat  oven to 450°F. Clean potatoes by scrubbing with a vegetable brush and laying on an oven rack. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes. 

Mash: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Leave skin on or off as desired. Dice potatoes into chunks and place in the boiling water for 20 to 30 minutes or until they are tender when you poke them with a fork. Drain the water, then add milk, butter, salt, and pepper to taste. Mash and serve.

Storage

Short-Term Storage

Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dark location for 3-5 weeks.

Long-Term Storage

Sweet potatoes can be frozen, canned, or stored in a basement storage room.

Learn more about freezing sweet potatoes.

Learn more about canning sweet potatoes.

Learn more about storing vegetables in a basement storage room.

Quick Fact

Although these edible roots are called sweet potatoes, they are not exactly potatoes, but members of the morning glory family. Furthermore, calling these veggies "yams" is incorrect. True yams are native to Africa and are from a different botanical group.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size

1 Medium (2”dia, 5”long, raw) (114g)

 

 

 

 

Nutrients

Amount

% Daily Value

Total Calories

112

 

Protein

2g

 

Carbohydrates

26g

 

Dietary Fiber

4g

 

Total Sugars

5g

 

Total Fat

0g

 

Saturated Fat

0g

 

Cholesterol

0mg

 

 

 

 

Minerals

 

 

Calcium

 39 mg

 

Sodium

72 mg

 

Iron

 1 mg

 

 

 

 

Vitamins

 

 

Vitamin A

 922 ug

 

Vitamin C

 3 mg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food Safety Tips

Always keep fresh produce away from raw meat and raw meat juices to avoid cross-contamination.

Follow the safe food guidelines for all fresh produce.

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