In this blog, we are going to talk about the sweet potato, also known as sweet potatoes. The sweet potato is a vegetable that has become extremely popular in recent years and is not only delicious, but also very healthy. In this blog, we will look at the nutritional value of the sweet potato, the different types of sweet potatoes, how best to prepare them and much more.

Why are sweet potatoes so interesting? First of all, the sweet potato is rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and potassium. In addition, it contains a lot of fiber and complex carbohydrates, so it digests slowly and makes you feel full for a long time. This makes the sweet potato a healthy and nutritious vegetable that fits perfectly into a healthy diet.

In addition, sweet potatoes are also versatile and easy to prepare. They can be baked, steamed, cooked or roasted and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to stews and even desserts. And because there are so many different types of sweet potatoes, there is always a type that suits your taste and the dishes you want to make. In this blog, we'll delve deeper into the different aspects of sweet potatoes and show you how to use this healthy and versatile vegetable in the kitchen.

The history of the sweet potato

The history of the sweet potato dates back thousands of years to when the crop was first cultivated in the region now known as Peru. Archaeologists have found evidence that the sweet potato was cultivated more than 8,000 years ago by indigenous peoples in South America. The crop was soon spread to other parts of South America, such as Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia. From South America, the sweet potato was spread to nearby Pacific islands, including Polynesia and New Zealand. It became an important food crop for the indigenous peoples of these islands and played an important role in their diet and culture.

During European explorations to the New World in the 16th century, Spanish and Portuguese explorers introduced the sweet potato to Europe. The crop quickly became popular in countries such as Portugal, Spain, and France, where it was cultivated as a food crop for the poor. In the 17th century, the sweet potato was brought to North America, where it spread rapidly across the southern states. It quickly became an important crop for the slave population, as it was relatively easy to grow and rich in nutrients.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the sweet potato spread to other parts of the world, including Africa and Asia. In these regions, the sweet potato quickly became an important food crop due to its high yield and nutritional value. Today, the sweet potato is a popular food crop around the world and is used in many different cuisines. It is often praised for its nutritional value, as it is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, the sweet potato is also used in various applications outside the food industry, such as the production of biofuels and textile fibers.

Image of JaeHoon KIM via Pixabay

Different types of sweet potatoes

There are many different types of sweet potatoes, each with their own unique flavor, texture and color.
Below, we'll discuss some of the most common varieties:

1. Beauregard: Beauregard is a common species in the United States and is known for its sweet taste and smooth texture. The skin is orange in color, while the flesh is yellow to orange.
2. Jewel: The Jewel is another popular sweet potato in the United States and has a deep orange color and sweet flavor. The flesh is soft and creamy and is often used in sweet dishes such as pies and purees.
3. Hannah: The Hannah has a light yellow to beige color and a sweet, nutty flavor. The flesh is firm and is often used in savory dishes such as stews and soups.
4. Purple: The Purple has a deep purple skin and flesh and a mild, sweet flavor. It is often used in salads and other dishes to add color and texture.
5. Japanese: The Japanese sweet potato has a pink to reddish skin and white flesh. It has a sweet taste and a firm texture and is often used in Asian dishes.
6. Garnet: The Garnet has a deep orange color and a sweet, soft texture. It is often used in sweet dishes such as pies and muffins.
7. O'Henry: A sweet potato with white to beige skin and a creamy texture and mild flavor.
8. Covington: A sweet potato with deep orange skin and flesh and a sweet taste. It is a good source of antioxidants and vitamin A.
9. Orleans: A sweet potato with a deep orange color and rich, sweet flavor. The flesh is soft and creamy and perfect for making purees.
10. Murasaki: A Japanese sweet potato with purple skin and white flesh. It has a slightly sweet flavor and is perfect for making chips and fries.
11. Centennial: A sweet potato with orange to pink skin and flesh and a sweet taste. It is a good source of vitamin A, C and fiber.
12. Korean Purple: A sweet potato with purple skin and flesh and a sweet, nutty flavor. It is commonly used in Korean dishes such as japchae and jjajangmyeon.
13. Carolina Ruby: A sweet potato with deep red skin and flesh and a sweet, soft texture. It is a good source of antioxidants and vitamin A.
14. Regal: A sweet potato with orange skin and white flesh and a mild, sweet flavor. It is often used in savory dishes such as stews and soups.
    
    There are many other types of sweet potatoes available, each with their own unique properties and flavors.