Sweet potato
A sweet tuber that is not related to the potato at all.
- Season: October, November, December, January, February, March
- Peak season: November, December
- Botanical family: Convolvulaceae
History
Native to tropical America, the sweet potato was grown by pre-Columbian peoples long before Europeans arrived. Brought to Spain by Christopher Columbus, it was known in Europe before the potato, although the two are not related at all.
Origin and growing regions
Sweet potatoes sold in France come mainly from southern Europe, with a small but growing French production:
- Spain (Andalusia)
- Portugal
- South-West France
Benefits
The sweet potato is sweet and colourful:
- Beta-carotene: Its orange flesh is very rich in it.
- Fibre: Helps you feel full.
- Carbohydrates: Slower-release energy than the potato.
- Potassium: Present in good amounts.
Varieties
- Orange: Very sweet orange flesh, the best seller.
- White: Firmer flesh, chestnut taste.
- Purple: Purple flesh, rich in antioxidants.
Zero waste
- Storing: Somewhere dry at room temperature, not in the fridge: 2 to 3 weeks.
- Freezing: Cooked as mash or roasted cubes: up to 10 months.
- Nothing goes to waste: Well-washed skin can be eaten roasted. Leftover mash can go into a cake or pancakes.