• Where does the sweet potato come from?
• What properties do sweet potatoes have?
• What are sweet potatoes used for in cooking?

Sweet potatoes are becoming more popular and more readily available every year. Sweet potatoes are on the menu for their taste, but also because they surpass conventional potatoes in terms of nutritional and health benefits. So, is it worth considering adding them to your diet? Learn about the properties of the famous sweet potato, the Wilke potato.

Where does the sweet potato come from?

The sweet potato, also called yam, sweet potato, or kumara, is cultivated quite extensively in South and Central America. Sweet potatoes originate from these regions. They first appeared in Europe after Christopher Columbus accidentally reached America. Sweet potatoes also enjoyed great popularity during the colonial period. Currently, sweet potatoes are mainly cultivated in China, Nigeria, Uganda, and Indonesia.

What properties do sweet potatoes have?

The glycemic index of sweet potatoes is quite low at 54. Therefore, diabetics are advised to eat sweet potatoes because the carbohydrates in sweet potatoes are absorbed more slowly, which in turn leads to a longer feeling of satiety and can prevent sudden blood sugar spikes. A valuable fact for diabetics: Sweet potatoes contain pectin, cellulose, and lignin. They form fiber, which improves intestinal function and reduces the absorption of sugar and fat.

Carotene and carotenoids, including lutein, found in sweet potatoes have a positive effect on vision. Sweet potatoes contain more of these nutrients than spinach, pumpkin, or broccoli, which are known for their presence.

The sweet flesh of sweet potatoes contains a fairly large dose of vitamins C and A, as well as B vitamins B1, B2, and B6. There's also plenty of folic acid, vitamins E and K, as well as beta-carotene and polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants. Sweet potatoes also contain many minerals. We'll find them in:

• Potassium,
• Phosphorus,
• Chlorine,
• Calcium,
• Sulfur,
• iodine ,
• Iron,
• Sodium,
• Selenium ,
• Magnesium,

What are sweet potatoes used for in cooking?

Boiled, baked, grilled, or baked—only your imagination limits you in preparing a delicious dish, the main character of which will be the sweet potato. They are also an excellent ingredient in aromatic casseroles and a perfect addition to soups. Their culinary versatility also opens up the possibility of making sweet potato pies and puddings based on them. Interestingly, not only the tubers are edible, but also the leaves of these plants. Sweet potato fries are very popular and are increasingly replacing traditional potato fries.

Sweet potatoes are an interesting and healthy alternative to the commonly served potatoes. They certainly won't replace them, but they are increasingly adding variety to the kitchen and enriching it with new flavors.