Fun Food Holidays™
February 22nd, 2025 is National Cook A Sweet Potato Day

If you're looking for a delicious and nutritious side dish, look no further than sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals, and they are oh so tasty. Plus, there are countless ways to prepare them, so you can never get bored. Whether you're looking for a classic sweet potato recipe or something a little more adventurous, these tubers have you covered. So give sweet potatoes a try today for National Cook A Sweet Potato Day!

What flavors go well with sweet potatoes?

Almost everything! Sweet potatoes work great with both sweet and savory. They can be paired with spicy sausage, bacon, pork, coconut milk, feta cheese, duck, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, chipotle peppers... you get the idea.

What is the difference between a yam and sweet potato?

In most US grocery stores, nothing! Most yams here are just orange sweet potatoes. You can thank the state of Louisiana for that. Their sweet potato farmers called their sweet potatoes "yams" to stand out from other growers. True yams are closer to russet potatoes and aren't sweet like sweet potatoes.

Are sweet potatoes low carb?

Not really. They are usually considered healthier than regular potatoes but they still are higher in carbs than is allowed on most low carb diets. An average sweet potato has approximately 26 grams of carbohydrates. A regular white potato has about 35 grams. Sweet potatoes have dietary fiber and antioxidants. They are also a source of Vitamin A, several B vitamins, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Iron, and Calcium.

Do you need to peel sweet potatoes before boiling them?

Nope. You can leave the skins on just like with regular potatoes.

Do sweet potatoes cook faster than regular potatoes?

Sweet potatoes are often larger than regular potatoes but ounce for ounce they take about the same amount of time to cook.

Can I substitute canned sweet potatoes for fresh?

If the recipe calls for cooked sweet potatoes then the answer is usually yes. Just watch to make sure you're buying regular sweet potatoes in water and not the kind in the thick syrup.

How do you store sweet potatoes?

Do not put them in the fridge. Store them in a cool (not cold) dark place just like with regular potatoes.

Are sweet potato skins edible?

Yes! In fact, they contain a significant portion of the sweet potato's nutrients.