Sweet Potatoes

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Healing Foods

Sweet Potatoes

This nutrient-rich holiday favorite deserves a year-round welcome at your table

Often mistaken for yams, though a very different vegetable, sweet potatoes can range from pale yellow to vivid orange to purple. The orange-hued varieties contain a stunning amount of beta-carotene. In the body, this antioxidant is converted to vitamin A, which plays a vital role in immune system, eye, and bone health. Sweet potatoes also provide healthful doses of fiber, blood pressure-lowering potassium, and vitamin B6, which may help reduce inflammation and cut colon cancer risk.

Choose It & Use It
Sweet potatoes are available year-round but are at their peak from October to December. Choose firm potatoes that are free of cracks or soft spots. Refrigeration negatively alters their taste, so store in a cool, dark pantry. Add to casseroles, stews, or roasted veggie medleys.

get the recipes

Colorful Oven Fries

Oven-fried sweet potatoes can be tricky because the potatoes’ high moisture content makes it difficult for them to “fry,” and their ample sugar causes them to burn easily. Okinawan sweet potatoes work well here because of their dry texture, but a dusting of potato starch helps keep all varieties crisp.

Layered Sweet Potato Torte

Thinly sliced sweet potatoes are both the filling and the crust for this hearty tart.

Nutty Sweet Potato Soup with Harissa and Spinach

Harissa is a smoky North African chili paste made from smoked chiles, olive oil, spices, and sometimes tomatoes. Heat and flavor vary from brand to brand. This recipe was made with a French-produced harissa with a mild heat and extra sweetness from tomatoes.