Sweet Potatoes
Did you know that sweet potatoes are a perennial root vegetable that was first domesticated 5000 years ago in the tropical regions of South America? Sweet potatoes are generally available year around with the peak season falling from late October through December. One sweet potato is packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, fiber, and only has 141 nutritious calories.
BUY IT
Sweet potatoes come in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes. Sweet potatoes are different from yams, but sometimes these two are confused. Yams have a rougher brown exterior, while sweet potatoes have a smoother skin.
Choose small to medium-size firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin and no bruises or cracks.
ADD IT
Cooking releases the sweetness and wonderful taste. Choose cooking methods such as grilling, stir frying, roasting, steaming, boiling, sautéing or cooking in the microwave.
For added fibre, leave the skin on. Just like regular potatoes, you can eat the skin.
PREP IT
Before using, scrub sweet potatoes with a produce brush while rinsing under cool water. Cut off any bruised parts.
Keep sweet potatoes in a cool, dry, dark place. Use within a week. Do not refrigerate. Handle with care as they bruise easily.
