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Sweet on Sweet Potatoes
More than just a Thanksgiving side dish.
Did You Know?
• Yam or sweet potato? In America, these words are used interchangeably, but sweet potatoes and yams are not the same; in fact, they are two different species of plant, and to the rest of the world they are recognized as such. True yams are bland, white-fleshed tropical tubers not commonly found in the States. There are two types of sweet potatoes sold in America: pale and orange. The pale variety has thin, yellowish skin and white flesh that becomes dry and crumbly when cooked, similar to a baking potato; they are not sweet. Though you will often find the primarily sold and more recognized orange variety (both fresh and canned) marketed as “yams,” they are technically just sweeter, moister, orange versions of their pale sweet potato counterparts.
• Sweet potatoes are native to Central and South America. Christopher Columbus brought them to Europe after his first voyage to the New World in 1492, and from there they quickly spread around the world.
• The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) rates the sweet potato as the number one vegetable for better health, describing it as “a nutritional All-Star—one of the best vegetables you can eat.” Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Evident by their bright orange skin and flesh color, they are also a significant source of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body, an antioxidant containing healthful properties that among other things, helps to boost immunity, ward off disease and contribute to better eyesight. Sweet potatoes are more nutritious when cooked with the skin on.
• Sweet potatoes are a first family favorite. They were featured on the Presidential Inaugural Lunch Menu and Michelle Obama even grows her own in the White House garden. The First Lady told the New York Times, “We are sweet potato lovers, especially the President.”
• The term “potato” originally referred to sweet potatoes. “Sweet” was added to help differentiate from the white potatoes that later came to America from Irish immigrants.
• The sweet potato is one of the oldest vegetables known to man. Traces of wild sweet potatoes dating back 10,000 years have been discovered in Peruvian caves, providing evidence that humans have been eating them since prehistoric times.
• Sweet potatoes are not potatoes at all. They are members of the morning glory family.
Sweet Potatoes in the Kitchen
• What would Thanksgiving be without sweet potato casserole? For a quick weeknight version of this classic side dish, make sweet potato puffs. Mash and season one, 29-ounce can of sweet potatoes. Form the mashed sweet potatoes around individual large marshmallows, leaving the tops exposed. Roll in chopped walnuts or pecans and arrange in a greased baking dish. Bake at 350º F, until lightly browned, about 15 minutes.
• Store fresh sweet potatoes in a cool, dry pantry; a temperature of 55º to 65º F is ideal. You should not store sweet potatoes in the refrigerator because low temperatures can cause flavor loss. It is recommended that fresh sweet potatoes be used within a week or two; however, in the proper conditions, they may be stored for up to one month.
• Sweet potato fries have grown in popularity over the years. To make at home, peel and slice sweet potatoes into matchsticks. Toss with olive oil and season. Cajun seasoning, curry powder, chili powder, paprika, cinnamon sugar, and good old salt and pepper are all uniquely delicious seasonings you can use. Bake at 450º F, turning occasionally until golden brown and tender, about 20 minutes.
• To quickly and easily peel the skins from boiled sweet potatoes, immediately shock them in an ice-cold water bath when done cooking. The skins will slip right off.
Our Favorite Sweet Potato Recipes
