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Enjoy Fall Sweet Potatoes

Want an easy to prepare, nutrition-filled vegetable? Try sweet potatoes!

Sweet potatoes are at the peak of their season. Whether you enjoy them candied, baked, mashed or as fries, sweet potatoes are packed with lots of vitamins and minerals. Sweet potatoes are a root vegetable which, believe it or not, is a cousin of the morning glory.

What should I look for when buying sweet potatoes?

When purchasing sweet potatoes, choose roots with a deep orange color. Select firm, well-shaped potatoes with smooth, bright, uniform-colored skins. Avoid ones with holes or cuts which lead to decay.

What's the best way to store sweet potatoes?

Store your potatoes at room temperature. Do not refrigerate them as it can affect the taste. When dug, it is best to wait about 10 days before you start using the potatoes to give them time to cure. If you must eat them right away, they are better boiled and used in dishes that include fruit or syrup.

Cooking Tips

Sweet potatoes need to be scrubbed before cooking them. Clean under cool water to remove any dirt and debris. To bake sweet potatoes, scrub them and then dry completely. Rub them lightly with oil. Place on a baking sheet and bake in a 400 degree oven for about 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 375 degrees and bake until soft. You may bake them in the microwave. Just pierce skin with a fork and bake as you would a white potato. Scoop out the flesh once they are cooked and enjoy.

Try eating the baked sweet potato with a small amount of butter or brown sugar, apple, orange or pineapple juice, orange peel, nutmeg, cinnamon, or ginger!

What nutrients do sweet potatoes have?

Sweet potatoes are often referred to as a nutritional powerhouse because they are high in beta-carotene- an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. They are a good source of vitamin B-6, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and dietary fiber.

Now is the time to add sweet potatoes in your diet. They are easy to prepare, taste great and are packed with nutrition.

Looking for more inspiration?

For more information and recipes for sweet potatoes, check out our sweet potato publication

If you're interested in sweet potato gardening tips, check out our home gardening publication