1. They’re not actually potatoes! Sweet potatoes and regular potatoes belong to different plant families. Sweet potatoes are part of the morning glory family, while regular potatoes are part of the nightshade family.
2. Super nutritious: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A, C, and B6, plus they’re rich in fiber and potassium. Their orange color comes from beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant.
3. Two main varieties: There are many types of sweet potatoes, but the two most common are the orange-fleshed (more common in the US) and the purple-fleshed (popular in Asia). The purple variety has even more antioxidants!
4. Old and global: Sweet potatoes have been cultivated for over 5,000 years, originating in Central and South America. They’re a staple food in many cultures, from Japan’s “satsumaimo” to the US Thanksgiving favorite.
5. NASA-approved: Sweet potatoes are so versatile and nutritious that NASA has researched them as a potential crop to grow on Mars! Talk about a space-worthy vegetable.
Delicious Sweet Potato Recipe: Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional for a little kick
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into 1-inch wedges.
- In a bowl, mix the olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss the sweet potato wedges in the mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
- Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. You want the sweet potatoes to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
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