Thanks to their beautiful orange-red color and sweet flavor, sweet potatoes are a favorite among many people. But did you know that there are actually 14 different types of sweet potatoes? Each type has its own unique characteristics and taste, making it difficult to pick just one favorite!
One of the most popular types is the Okinawa sweet potato. This sweetpotato has a bush-like shape and is perfect for mashing. Its orange flesh holds together well when boiled, making it a great choice for soups and stews.
Another favorite is the Hannah sweet potato. This type is a graduate from Louisiana State University and is known for its white to yellowish skin and oblong shape. It has a sweet and nutty flavor, compared to the more sugary taste of the orange-fleshed sweet potatoes.
One of the harder to find types is the Kotobuki sweet potato. This Japanese variety is a speckled type with a chestnut-like taste. It is often used in making sauces and can be baked or boiled.
For those who prefer a more savory sweet potato, the Covington is a great choice. This type is a staple in New Jersey and has a rich, earthy flavor. It stays firm when cooked and is perfect for adding to soups and stews or making delicious sweet potato fries.
No matter which type of sweet potato you select, you can always expect a sweet and delicious bite. These sweet potatoes are packed full of nutrition and are a great source of vitamins and minerals. So the next time you’re at the grocery store, why not pick up a few different types and try them all? You may just discover a new favorite!
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“Fellow growers would open their bush and waterlogged, there’s a local saying that says ‘If you batatas, you lose!'”, says Hernandez.
Varieties of Sweet Potatoes
There are 14 types of sweet potatoes, each with its own unique flavors and characteristics.
1. Hannah: This sweet potato is pale yellow and has a creamy texture. It is mildly sweet and works well in a variety of dishes.
2. Garnets: Garnets are deep red sweet potatoes with a slightly floral flavor. They are popular among chefs and home cooks alike.
3. Japanese: These sweet potatoes have a purple skin and white flesh. They are moister than other varieties and have a chestnut-like flavor.
4. Willowleaf: Willowleaf sweet potatoes have a reddish skin and yellow flesh. They are drier than other varieties and are great for boiling or baking.
5. Hawaiian: Hawaiian sweet potatoes, also known as Okinawan sweet potatoes, are purple both on the inside and outside. They have a slightly sweet flavor and are often used in desserts.
6. Jersey: Jersey sweet potatoes have a reddish-brown skin and orange flesh. They are a popular choice for baking and roasting.
7. Baton Rouge: Baton Rouge sweet potatoes are similar to Garnets in terms of flavor and texture. They have a deep red skin and orange flesh.
8. Beauregard: Beauregard sweet potatoes are orange both on the inside and outside. They are popular in the Southern United States and have a classic sweet potato flavor.
9. O’Henry: O’Henry sweet potatoes have a light yellow skin and creamy flesh. They are less sweet than other varieties and are great for savory dishes.
10. Covington: Covington sweet potatoes are orange with a slightly drier texture. They are often used in cooking and have a rich, sweet flavor.
11. Covington: Covington sweet potatoes are orange with a slightly drier texture. They are often used in cooking and have a rich, sweet flavor.
12. Covington: Covington sweet potatoes are orange with a slightly drier texture. They are often used in cooking and have a rich, sweet flavor.
13. Covington: Covington sweet potatoes are orange with a slightly drier texture. They are often used in cooking and have a rich, sweet flavor.
14. Covington: Covington sweet potatoes are orange with a slightly drier texture. They are often used in cooking and have a rich, sweet flavor.
When selecting sweet potatoes, it’s important to pick ones that are firm and have no signs of decay. Each type of sweet potato will have its own unique taste and cooking properties, so choosing the right one for your recipe is important. Whether you’re looking for something mild and creamy or bold and flavorful, there’s a sweet potato variety that will work for you.
Keep in mind that sweet potatoes are often mistakenly referred to as yams, which is a separate botanically related type of root vegetable. The term “yam” is more commonly used in the United States to describe sweet potatoes that have a soft, moist flesh.
Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrition, including high amounts of vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants called anthocyanins. Whether you’re a sweet potato lover or just starting to explore the world of sweet potatoes, there are plenty of delicious varieties to try. Open up a cookbook or search online for recipes and tips on how to best enjoy the many types of sweet potatoes available.
How to Select Sweet Potatoes
Selecting the right sweet potatoes can make all the difference in creating a delightful and moist dish. While it isn’t always easy to tell which variety is which, there are a few things you can look for to help you select the best ones.
Firstly, stay away from websites that claim to have the “sweetest” sweet potatoes. The sweetness of a sweet potato isn’t determined by its variety alone. Instead, it depends on a variety of factors, such as the growing conditions and the time of year it was harvested.
When selecting sweet potatoes, go for those that have a smooth skin and are firm to the touch. This indicates that they are fresh and haven’t been damaged. Additionally, look for sweet potatoes that are smaller in size. These tend to be moister and have a more concentrated sugary flavor.
The color of the flesh is also important. While the most common sweet potato variety has an orange hue, there are other varieties, such as the white-fleshed and purple-fleshed sweet potatoes. The color difference doesn’t affect the taste significantly, though. The purple and white varieties have a slightly different taste, but it’s very subtle.
If you’re looking for a sweet potato that is perfect for baking or roasting, go for the Centennial or the Ruby sweet potato varieties. These varieties have a denser and drier texture, making them ideal for cooking. On the other hand, the O’Henry sweet potato is a white-skinned variety that is creamy and softer, making it great for mashing or making pies.
One variety that stands out is the Garnet sweet potato. It has a reddish skin and orange flesh and is particularly popular in the southern United States. Another variety worth trying is the Japanese sweet potato, which has a purple skin and yellowish flesh. This sweet potato has a smooth and slightly sweet flavor.
When you’re in the grocery store, you may come across sweet potatoes that are labeled as “yams.” However, true yams are typically grown in Africa and Asia and have a different taste and appearance compared to sweet potatoes. In the United States, the terms “yam” and “sweet potato” are often used interchangeably, so it’s important to identify the variety rather than relying on the name.
Lastly, if you’re looking to store sweet potatoes for a longer period, choose varieties like the Willowleaf or the Covington. These varieties have a higher sugar content, which makes them last longer in storage. Ideally, store sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place and avoid exposing them to bright light or extreme temperatures, as this can cause them to spoil.
In conclusion, selecting the right sweet potatoes requires attention to detail. Consider the variety, color, and texture, as well as your cooking preferences. By following these tips, you’ll be able to choose the perfect sweet potatoes for your next delicious dish!
How to Store Sweet Potatoes
When it comes to storing sweet potatoes, there are a few methods you can use to ensure they stay fresh and flavorful. Whether you have whole or skinned sweet potatoes, these tips will help you keep them in good condition.
First and foremost, it’s important to select the right types of sweet potatoes. Some varieties, like Hawaiian sweet potatoes and chestnut sweet potatoes, have a moist and sweet flavor that can be preserved well. Others, like the purple and white ones, are known for their beautiful floral flavor and extremely moist texture.
For storing whole sweet potatoes, the best method is to keep them in a cool, dark, and dry place. A pantry or cellar works well for this purpose. It’s essential to avoid storing them in plastic bags, as this can make them go bad more quickly. Instead, place them in a well-ventilated container or simply keep them loose.
If you have already skinned the sweet potatoes or purchased pre-skinned ones, it’s still possible to store them properly. Wrap each skinned sweet potato individually in a paper towel or newspaper to help absorb any excess moisture. Then, place them in a breathable bag or container and store them in a cool and dark place.
It’s worth noting that some varieties, like the Hannah and Stokes sweet potatoes, have an orange-red colored flesh that tends to lose its vibrant color when stored for a long time. To retain the best flavor and appearance, it’s recommended to consume these types relatively soon after purchase.
Now, let’s talk about some specific types of sweet potatoes and how to store them:
Kotobuki: These sweet potatoes have beautiful purple skin with a creamy white flesh. They are best stored in a cool and dark place, just like other sweet potato varieties.
Covington: These orange-skinned sweet potatoes are abundant in most local grocery stores. They have a moist and sweet taste, and they store well in a cool and dark place. Just be sure to avoid storing them in a waterlogged or humid environment.
Okinawa: These sweet potatoes have a vibrant purple flesh and a slightly sweet taste. They are best stored in a cool, dark, and dry place, just like other sweet potato varieties.
Garnets: With their dark orange flesh, garnets are often used by cooks for making pies, casseroles, and other sweet dishes. They can be stored in a cool and dark place for several weeks.
Centennial: These sweet potatoes have a light orange flesh with a creamy texture. They can be stored in a cool and dark place for several weeks, just like other sweet potato varieties.
In conclusion, growers of sweet potatoes have developed many types with different flavors and textures. Whether you prefer the rich and sweet taste of the Beauregards, the moister creamsicle type, or the pretty and unique color of the purple hernandez sweet potato, knowing how to properly store them will help preserve their quality and health benefits.
Fresh Sweet Potatoes
When it comes to sweet potatoes, there are 14 different types to choose from. Here, we will discuss the fresh sweet potatoes and their characteristics.
Storing fresh sweet potatoes can be a bit tricky, as they tend to spoil quickly. However, with the right methods, you can keep them fresh for a longer period of time. They come in a variety of sizes, from small to medium, and each type has its own unique flavor and texture.
One popular type of fresh sweet potato is the Korean sweet potato, which is often referred to as the “Goguma” in Korean. It is known for its vibrant purple-red skin and moist, sticky flesh. The Korean sweet potato is something that cooks love to use in their recipes due to its robust flavor.
Another type of fresh sweet potato is the Jersey sweet potato. It has a thick, reddish-brown skin and a sweet, buttery flavor. This sweet potato is also known for its firm texture, making it ideal for baking or roasting.
One fun fact about fresh sweet potatoes is that they are often mistakenly referred to as yams. However, yams and sweet potatoes are actually two different varieties that are not closely related. Sweet potatoes are sweeter and have a softer texture compared to yams.
There are 16 additional varieties of fresh sweet potatoes, each with its own unique characteristics. Some have speckled skin, while others have a bright orange flesh. Hawaiian sweet potatoes, also known as “Oriental sweet potatoes,” are known for their purple skin and white flesh.
When selecting fresh sweet potatoes, it is important to pick ones that are firm and have no soft spots. The skin should be smooth and free from blemishes. The color can vary from shades of brown to purple, depending on the type.
Fresh sweet potatoes are a great addition to any diet, as they are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They have a mildly sweet flavor that pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes. Whether you enjoy them baked, mashed, or roasted, fresh sweet potatoes provide a delicious and nutritious option for your meals.
In conclusion, fresh sweet potatoes come in a variety of types, each with its own unique flavor and texture. They can be a bit difficult to store, but with the right methods, they can be kept fresh for longer periods of time. Whether you love the buttery flavor of the Jersey sweet potato or the robust taste of the Korean sweet potato, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So why not pick up some fresh sweet potatoes today and experience all the delicious flavors they have to offer!
