There’s Something Special About Sweet Potatoes

Did you know there are hundreds of varieties of sweet potatoes? This unique starchy vegetable is a common staple at most Thanksgiving tables, but sweet potatoes should be celebrated year-round for their delicious and hearty taste.

The month of November is Sweet Potato Awareness Month! As the holiday season approaches, it’s a great time to learn about what sweet potatoes have to offer and all the various ways you can incorporate them into your favorite fall recipes.

Sweet Potato Facts

Sweet potatoes are highly nutritious! In addition to their sweet taste, they are packed with healthful vitamins and minerals. Their outside skin packs a ton of fiber, and the orange and red varieties are packed with antioxidants. This ultimate combination of nutritional benefits is what makes them so great!

Rich in vitamins. Sweet potatoes contain a good amount of both vitamins A and C. Both vitamins are important for maintaining healthy skin, a healthy immune system, vision health, and organ protection. Just one sweet potato gives you 400% of the recommended amount of vitamin A per day!

Loaded with minerals. Sweet potatoes are rich in minerals such as calcium and manganese, which are important for bone health as well as normal daily processes.

Packed with antioxidants. Different varieties of sweet potatoes provide different kinds of antioxidants. However, most varieties provide carotenoids which are pigments that give the orange and red varieties their unique color. Antioxidants have the power to rid the body of harmful components called “free radicals” which can cause disease.

Gut healthy. The combination of fiber and antioxidants that sweet potatoes provide makes them gut-friendly! Sweet potatoes contain both soluble and insoluble fiber which aid in maintaining healthy bowel movements. The antioxidant power of sweet potatoes helps to promote healthy gut bacteria, which further aid in gut health.

Unique Ways to Enjoy Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are very versatile and can be enjoyed as both a sweet and savory food. Unlike regular potatoes, their natural sweetness helps them pair perfectly with many different herbs and spices. Adding them into your everyday meals can be easy since they can be baked, broiled, pan-fried, steamed, or roasted! Check out some of the fun and delicious ways you can enjoy sweet potatoes year-round.

Sweet Potato Chips. Craving something crunchy and sweet? Try out homemade sweet potato chips! Start by peeling a sweet potato very thinly, or use a mandolin slicer, and add to the oven with olive oil and your favorite seasoning. Bake for 20 mins at 375 degrees.

Sweet Potato Fries. Sweet potato fries are an excellent alternative to regular potato fries because they have added nutrients. Try cutting sweet potatoes in ¼ -inch thick slices and roast for 30-40 mins at 375 degrees.

Sweet Potato Toast. Move over avocado toast! Sweet potato toast is a unique and fun way to enjoy sweet potatoes. You can top sweet potato toast with both sweet and savory items such as bananas and cinnamon or avocado and pepper. There are a ton of ways to get creative with this dish! Slice sweet potatoes into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick slices and bake for 30 mins at 400 degrees, and then add on your favorite toppings.

Sweet Potato Hash. If you were searching for a new breakfast dish, sweet potato hash may be your new favorite meal! Cut sweet potatoes into cubes, and add to a pan with chopped onions, and peppers. Cook on medium-high with a little olive oil for 20 minutes and enjoy!

Sweet potatoes are a unique vegetable that provides an abundance of nutritional benefits. Now that you know all the various ways to enjoy sweet potatoes, you can spread the word, and make this vegetable more than just a holiday food!

Your Turn to Action- What is your favorite way to enjoy sweet potatoes? Let me know in the comments below!