What are sweet potatoes and why do we love them so much? 🍠
Sweet potatoes – or as they are sometimes referred to: batata – are one of the trendiest vegetables in recent years. Its Latin name is *Ipomoea batatas*, and although it has the word “potato” in its name, it is not actually related to the classic potato. It originated in South and Central America, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. It was brought to Europe by the Spanish conquistadors and is now appearing more and more often on our plates, especially when we’re looking for a healthy yet tasty side dish.
How important is it in the kitchen? Rating: 4/5
Although not yet a staple in Hungarian cuisine, more and more people are discovering sweet potatoes. You’ll find it in a wide variety of dishes across Europe – especially if you browse health-conscious recipes. The rating is not 5 because it is not yet commonplace in every household, but the direction is clear: it’s coming up like a rocket!
Which parts are edible and which are not?
The sweet potato is mainly eaten for its tuber – the orangey, purple or even whitish, sweet-tasting part that we know and love. It is edible raw, but not recommended because it is difficult to digest. Cooked, baked or steamed, it is a real treasure!
What’s interesting: the leaves are edible! Although it is not widespread in our country, in other countries – such as the Philippines or Vietnam – the tender leaves are prepared as a stew or salad.
Important: the other non-edible parts of the plant (e.g. the thicker stems or the non-tuberous parts of the root) are not poisonous, but they are not used for cooking.
Why is it healthy? 🥇
Sweet potatoes are a vitamin bomb. It’s high in beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. It’s also rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, manganese and fibre. It has a lower glycaemic index than regular potatoes, so it doesn’t spike blood sugar as quickly. That’s why it’s a favourite among diabetics, dieters and athletes.
According to folk medicine, sweet potatoes are:
- helps regulate digestion,
- supports the immune system,
- beneficial for eye health,
- can reduce inflammation in the body.
Where does it grow? When to look for it?
Sweet potatoes are sun lovers – they like warmth, so they thrive best where there are long, hot summers. In Europe, it is mainly grown in large quantities in Spain, Portugal and Greece, but more and more people are trying it in Hungary, especially in the southern Great Plain.
It is typically grown outdoors – the greenhouse is too expensive and unnecessary for this plant. Its domestic season starts from the end of September and peaks in October-November. Imported specimens arrive mainly in winter and spring (mainly from Spain and Egypt).
How to recognise a good sweet potato in the shop?
Fortunately, it’s not too complicated. 😉 When shopping, look out for the following:
- It should be firm to the touch – if it’s soft or pressed, it’s no longer fresh.
- The skin should be smooth, free from damage and dry.
- Avoid specimens that are too large – they may be more fibrous inside.
- Depending on the variety, the colour can be orange, purple or white – all are delicious, but have a different taste and texture.
How to store it at home? 🏠
Important rule: don’t put it in the fridge! Sweet potatoes are sensitive to cold, so it’s best to keep them in a dry, cool place (around 12-16°C), such as a pantry or the bottom of a cupboard. They also keep well in a ventilated crate or paper bag.
Once cut up, it’s ready for the fridge: put it in a tightly sealed box and use it within a few days.
How is it made in the world?
Sweet potatoes are popular worldwide:
- 🇺🇸 In America, it is a Thanksgiving staple, often made with honey, cinnamon and marshmallows.
- 🇯🇵 In Japan, they are baked and then rolled in a honey glaze and often eaten for breakfast.
- 🇫🇷 In France, it was spread as a puree and cream soup.
- 🇮🇳 In India it can be used as a base for spicy curries, especially in vegan recipes.
Classic recipe – Baked sweet potatoes with garlic yoghurt
This recipe is simple but ingeniously delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- olive oil
- salt, pepper
- garlic
- natural yoghurt
- fresh parsley or chives
Preparation: Wash and dice the sweet potatoes, season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with oil and bake at 200°C for about 25-30 minutes. Grate the garlic into the yoghurt, mix with the herbs and dip the fried sweet potatoes in it when serving. Heavenly! 😋
Use tips and spices to go with it
Sweet potatoes are great as a main course, side dish or even as a dessert. Here are some cooking tips:
- Try it pureed with spiced butter – nutmeg and cinnamon, for example.
- When roasted, it goes well with rosemary, thyme, garlic or chilli.
- Excellent in curries, especially with cumin, ginger, garam masala.
- Don’t season with basil or dill, though – the flavours are less harmonious.
This sweet vegetable really deserves a place on your weekly menu – not just for its trendiness, but because it’s nutritious, delicious and can be prepared in thousands of ways. Feel free to try new recipes with it, and don’t be afraid to explore different varieties! 🌱