![Raw sweet potatoes](https://food.unl.edu/newsletters/images/sweet-potato-1000x450.png)
Sweet potatoes have a deep orange colored flesh and a sweet taste. Sweet potatoes are starchy vegetables that contain lots of vitamins and minerals. Sometimes sweet potatoes and yams are confused, but in the United States, most stores sell sweet potatoes and not yams.
Nutrition and Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin C, which helps heal cuts and wounds. They are also high in vitamin A, which promotes good vision and cell growth.
How to Select Sweet Potatoes
Choose small to medium sweet potatoes that have smooth skins and are firm. They should be free from cracks, soft spots and blemishes.
How to Store Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes that are stored in a dry, dark, cool area can be stored for up to a month. If sweet potatoes are stored on the counter, they can be stored for up to a week.
How to Prepare Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes can be boiled, baked, grilled or microwaved and served as a side dish
- Make loaded sweet potatoes
- Make mashed sweet potatoes
- Make a sweet potato breakfast hash
- Make sweet potato pie
- Add to casseroles or make sweet potato casserole
- Add to a salad
- Add to soup or stew
- Mix regular potatoes and sweet potatoes to make a potato salad
- Make baked sweet potato fries
- Add to stir-fry
- Add to soup
Seasonal Availability of Sweet Potatoes in Nebraska
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Harvest | x | x | x | x | ||||||||
Market | x | x | x | x | x | x |
Featured Recipes
Materials to Print
The Seasonal Produce Handouts page includes a variety of handouts, recipes, and recipe cards that are available as downloadable PDFs. You can use these resources in your educational programs.
Source:
- Fruit and Veggie Fact Sheets, UNL Nutrition Education Program
- Seasonal Produce Guide - Sweet Potatoes & Yams, SNAP-Ed Connection
- Nebraska Harvest Schedule, Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska
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