So, you’re curious if purple potatoes are sweet? Well, you’ve come to the right place. This article will not only answer your question but also offer plenty of other useful pieces of information on purple potatoes.
Stick around and keep reading to learn all about the taste of purple potatoes, as well as a lot more!
Are Purple Potatoes Sweet?
Purple potatoes are also known as purple sweet potatoes, so yes, they are sweet. The taste will differ slightly depending on which variety of purple potatoes it is, but in general, they are mildly sweet. Their taste is also often compared to that of wine
Purple potatoes are a lot drier and starchier than other sweet potato varieties. This is why they are generally cooked longer than the other types.
They are known and prized for their purple flesh and are not easy to find!
What Are Purple Potatoes Best For?
Purple potatoes are generally best used in various cooked meals that are prepared by roasting, baking, boiling, mashing, grilling, braising, and frying.
They are a popular ingredient in different soups and gnocchi. They can also be boiled, in which case they are served in a Nicoise salad with salmon, green beans, and eggs.
Are Purple Sweet Potatoes Better Than Regular Sweet Potatoes?
Sweet potatoes in general are sources of:
- Fiber – helps digestion and keeps you full so you won’t eat as much, helps regulate blood sugar.
- Potassium – helps maintain natural levels of fluids in the body, supports blood pressure, and helps muscles contract.
- Vitamin A – it is present in the form of beta carotene and other carotenoids. Helps with eyesight and boosts immunity.
- Vitamin B6 – reduces the chemical homocysteine in the body, which is linked with heart attacks and some degenerative diseases.
- Vitamin C – a powerful antioxidant that boosts immunity and plays a role in healing your wounds.
However, purple sweet potatoes have some advantages over others. They are richer in anthocyanins. These are naturally occurring plant chemicals that give vegetables their colors. Anthocyanins reduce dementia and help maintain brain health. They are currently being researched even further for their possible role in disease prevention and general positive effect on human health.
Do Purple Potatoes Taste Like Regular Potatoes?
While their color might make you suspect that they have an outlandish flavor, purple potatoes actually taste incredibly similar to regular potatoes, especially sweet potatoes.
While there is a small difference, namely purple potatoes tasting a bit like wine, most people wouldn’t notice it if they were wearing a blindfold. The main reason why you would opt for purple potatoes, besides their extravagant look, is the different health benefits they provide.
Are Purple Potatoes Dry?
Yes, purple potatoes are much drier than other types of potatoes. Their texture is dense and they are starchy. This is why you should cook them using moist cooking methods. You will also need to cook them for a longer time.
Once cooked, they are not much different from regular potatoes besides the color, so there is no need to be frightened by their unique appearance.
Why Does my Purple Sweet Potato Have White Ooze?
Sometimes you will notice white ooze coming out of your purple potatoes and it might frighten you or stop you from eating them. This is common in all sweet potato types and is no cause for concern.
This white substance is simply a mixture of sugar and starch, a completely normal sap. It is safe to eat and is not harmful in any way.
White residue can appear in a lot of vegetables. When it comes to potatoes, it seems that it appears when they are sweeter than usual. This is because of the sugars that can be found inside of those potatoes. White ooze will also appear more often in organically grown purple potatoes. The fresher they are, the higher the chance of leaking white residue.
Can You Eat Raw Purple Sweet Potatoes?
Just like any other sweet potato, purple potatoes can be eaten raw! Regular potatoes contain the dangerous enzyme solanine when they are raw so they need to be cooked before eating, but sweet potatoes can be enjoyed uncooked.
To eat purple potatoes raw, you simply need to peel them. You can cut them into sticks or grate them and add them to your salads or snacks. With their vibrant color, they will surely liven up most dishes.
Can Babies Eat Purple Potatoes?
Purple potatoes are becoming increasingly popular since they offer multiple health benefits that regular sweet potatoes don’t. Many refer to them as the superfood of potatoes.
You can feed them to your children as soon as they are six months old. This is generally the time when they are ready to eat solid foods, so you shouldn’t have any worries.
Purple potatoes will supply your babies with plenty of nutrients, so they actually come highly recommended.
Are Purple Sweet Potato and Purple Yam the Same?
Although they are quite similar and can be used interchangeably in the same recipes, purple potatoes are not the same as purple yams. The same can be said of regular sweet potatoes and yams.
Purple yams are called ube and are a staple in Filipino cuisine. Their flavor is nutty, with hints of pistachio and vanilla, so they are definitely a unique vegetable.
Are Purple Sweet Potatoes Good For Weight Loss?
Yes, purple potatoes are very good for weight loss. The reason for this is the fact that they contain fiber. Dietary fiber in large amounts makes you feel full and gives you the sensation of satiety, meaning you won’t have the urge to overeat.
There is reason to believe that anthocyanins found in purple potatoes can help with weight loss as well.
How to Store Purple Sweet Potatoes?
Purple potatoes are stored just like regular ones. Put them in a dry, cool place and you’re set. However, you should keep in mind that their shelf life is shorter than regular potatoes.
Once stored properly, expect them to last for about two weeks. The best temperature for storing them is one that is a bit cooler than room temperature, but still warmer than your fridge.
Where do Purple Sweet Potatoes Come From?
The type of purple potato with the richest history is the Okinawan sweet potato. It is believed that they originated in South and Central America. Explorers introduced these potatoes to China and the Philippines in the 15th century.
From there, these purple potatoes found their way to Japan during the 17th century. They were first planted only in Okinawa, where they got their name, and from there they spread all over Japan.
Eventually, purple potatoes ended up in Hawaii where they became a staple in their cuisine. They are exported to the US from there.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
