Sweet potatoes
Description
Sweet potatoes are sweet, slightly nutty tubers with smooth, thin skin that comes in shades of cream, orange, purple, or burgundy, with flesh that is usually orange, yellow, or purple. They have a creamy, starchy texture when baked and an intense aroma that balances well with both sweet and spicy seasonings. Sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and fiber, are rich in beta-carotene (provitamin A), vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, which support vision, the immune system, blood pressure regulation, and gut health. They have a moderate glycemic index that depends on the cooking method and promote satiety with moderate calorie content. In the kitchen, they work well baked, as puree, fries, soups, casseroles, and desserts; they pair nicely with spices such as cinnamon, cumin, chili, as well as with cheese, yogurt, meat, or fish. Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dry, and dark place (around 12–16°C), do not wash before storing, place them loosely, and use them within a few weeks, avoiding the refrigerator, which can alter their taste and texture.