Sweet Potatoes

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FALL/WINTER VEGETABLE

Description:

The sweet potato is a tuber vegetable with sweet flesh. It has an orange colored outer skin and is oblong–shaped with pointed ends.

Although they are sometimes referred to as yams, they are not the same vegetable and are not related. And while sweet potatoes are several inches in length, yams can grow up to seven feet long with a very thick skin and starchy flesh.


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Selecting:

When selecting, choose firm potatoes with unblemished skin without any cracks.

Avoid any that have wrinkled skin or are beginning to sprout.


Storing and Handling:

When storing, keep in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place for approximately one to two weeks. Check on them often for soft spots and deterioration. It is best not to store them in the refrigerator.


Preparing:

Wash thoroughly with a vegetable brush under cool running water. Peel potato, if desired, with a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler.

Bake: whole and unpeeled in a 350°F oven for approximately 45-50 minutes or until tender.

Boil: place sweet potato that has been cut into chunks or cubes in a pan with enough water to cover and boil for approximately 20-30 minutes or until tender.


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Serving Suggestions:

Mashed: cook and mash as you would a regular potato or combine with regular potatoes for a sweeter version of mashed potatoes. Season with a little butter and salt and pepper to taste.

Sweet Side Dish: you can also bake or boil (and mash) the potatoes and season with butter and some brown sugar, combine well and top with pecan pieces.

Sweet Potato Pie: a delicious pie can be made using sweet potatoes.

Additional Ideas: this sweet and versatile tuber can also be used in breads, muffins, biscuits, soups and so much more.

**There are a wide variety of delicious recipes for sweet potatoes at:**
http://www.sweetpotato.org

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Seasonings to use with Sweet Potatoes: brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, ginger, honey, nutmeg, pecans, rosemary


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