For All You Sweet Potato Lovers…

Oh yeah, February is Sweet Potato Lovers Month! And we concur. Our team loves the yummy, satisfying sweet potato for its naturally sweet taste, nutrition value, and versatility.

Bake, boil, roast, mash, sauté, or glaze ‘em – sweet potatoes are one of the most well-loved, versatile, and oldest veggies out there. Fun facts: sweet potatoes come in over 400 varieties, with colors ranging from orange and cream to deep purple and pink, and can be traced back to prehistoric times.

So, for all you sweet potato lovers out there… here are some sweet potato nutrition facts, dish ideas, and more.

Health benefits of sweet potatoes

This sweet root vegetable is rich in a variety of nutrients including fiber, Vitamins A, B6 and C, copper, potassium, and iron. Also high in beta-carotene, sweet potatoes offer a powerful antioxidant that works to eliminate free radicals in the body.

Buying and storing

Work closely with your supplier to buy fresh sweet potatoes that preferably have smooth, un-bruised skin. Once back at your restaurant, for best results and shelf life: store sweet potatoes in a dry, dark space, also at room temp. They can store up to 3-4 weeks.

Sweet potato dishes

Oh, the versatility! Delicious on their own, sweet potatoes can also shine bright as the star of dishes such as: maple pecan sweet potato complete with pecan fig butter, sweet potato pie, sweet potato soufflé, crisp, freshly-cut sweet potato fries and chips, added to risottos, soups, and stews, as a sweet, secret ingredient to breads and muffins, and handmade sweet potato spring rolls and dumplings.

Great pairings

Bring out the natural, delicious flavor of the sweet potato even further by pairing with cinnamon, nutmeg, curry, chipotle, or brown sugar. For super-tasty mashed potatoes, whisk in coconut or almond milk instead of whole milk; or fresh farm honey for a sweetly seasoned, rich consistency. What about cocktails? We’re liking the current trend of elevating your classic hot toddy or cider with an added ounce (or two) of sweet potato liqueur. We think guests at your bar will enjoy this imbibing trend too.

*photo courtesy: organicauthority.com