Are you wondering if sweet potatoes are actually sweet? Well, this article will answer that question for you, so you can find out if they are called sweet potatoes for a reason.
However, we won’t stop there. Expect to find out a lot more useful info on sweet potatoes, from their nutrition to their comparison with other similar foods.
Ready to become an expert on sweet potatoes? Read on!
Are Sweet Potatoes Sweet?
Yes, just as their name clearly implies, sweet potatoes are sweet.
They have an almost candy-like flavor, which makes them a really tasty vegetable that is quite popular.
However, their sweet flavor needs a bit of a push to fully develop. Sweet potatoes start off tasting starchy. This makes sense as they are mostly made of starch.
When eaten raw, they will taste about as good as any other tuber vegetable, meaning not good at all.
Once you start cooking sweet potatoes is when their flavor starts to develop.
As they start to heat up, a special enzyme starts breaking down the starch into maltose. Put simply, this means that starch starts to turn into sugar.
Maltose isn’t as sweet as table sugar, but it is sweet enough to give sweet potatoes their unique flavor.
Can You Make Sweet Potatoe Sweeter?
Yes, there is a way to make your sweet potatoes even sweeter. This is actually connected to the previous question. We mentioned how the sweetness starts to develop as you cook the sweet potatoes.
When the enzyme starts breaking down starch into sugar, by adjusting the temperature you can alter the speed of this process. If you lower the temperature the cooking time will be longer, but the enzyme will have more time to break down the starch.
This will make your sweet potatoes even sweeter. If you choose to cook them faster they won’t be as sweet.
What Is The Difference Between Sweet Potatoes And Yams?
While yams and sweet potatoes may seem similar, there are several things that completely distinguish them from one another.
- First of all, sweet potatoes have slick flesh that looks moist. Yams, on the other hand, have dry and starchy flesh.
- Sweet potatoes and yams are both nutritious but in different ways. Sweet potatoes have more sugar, protein, calcium, iron, and sodium, while yams have more fat, carbs, fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
- Finally, their flavor profile is completely different. Yams do not taste sweet at all. They are dry and starchy. Sweet potatoes have a dominant sweet flavor that really stands out.
Are There Sweet Potatoes That Aren’t Sweet?
There are many different types of sweet potatoes. While there aren’t any that are not sweet at all, there are those that are a lot less sweet than usual.
The most well-known are white sweet potatoes. White sweet potatoes have a drier texture than regular ones and are a bit more crumbly. They also don’t taste as sweet as regular sweet potatoes. Their taste is mild and subdued.
They aren’t as healthy as regular sweet potatoes but are still much healthier than ordinary starchy potatoes.
Are Sweet Potatoes Healthier Than Regular Potatoes?
Both are nutritious, but for different reasons. However, in general, most would agree that sweet potatoes are a bit healthier.
They are both similar when it comes to calories, proteins, and carbohydrates. White potatoes have more potassium, and sweet potatoes have more vitamin A. Sweet potatoes also have a bit more fiber.
They also have a lot of antioxidants that can reduce the cell damage in your body. One of the main reasons sweet potatoes are considered healthier is the fact that they don’t raise blood sugar as much as regular ones.
Do Sweet Potatoes Have A Lot Of Sugar?
One medium-sized sweet potato has around 5.5 grams of sugar. While this amount isn’t huge, it is still a decent chunk and you shouldn’t eat sweet potatoes excessively.
Eating a single sweet potato won’t have a negative effect on your health, but you shouldn’t eat much more than that in a day. Sugar from different foods can add up quickly and can affect your health in various ways.
Naturally, sugar is always mentioned as the main reason for obesity and diabetes, but it can also cause the decay of your teeth, so make sure to eat it in moderation.
Are There Two Types Of Sweet Potatoes?
There are many different varieties of sweet potatoes, but they can generally be divided into two main types. These two are the ones that are the most common in the US, and they are:
- Firm sweet potatoes – they have pale flesh and a golden skin
- Soft sweet potatoes – they have orange flesh and copper skin
The main difference between the two, however, is how they feel after being cooked. Firm sweet potatoes keep their firmness even after they have been cooked, but they do start to feel a bit waxy.
On the other hand, soft sweet potatoes become really fluffy and creamy.
What’s The Sweetest Sweet Potato?
The sweetest sweet potatoes are also the ones that are the most common in the US. They are called Beauregard sweet potatoes and are generally just sold as regular sweet potatoes without a special label.
If you buy sweet potatoes in a store, there is a high chance that they are Beauregards.
They have dark skin, that is almost purple, and their flesh is deep orange. Beauregard sweet potatoes are also on the larger side.
They also taste the sweetest and are really juicy, so they are basically the perfect sweet potato.
Is Sweet Potato Good For Breakfast?
Yes, sweet potatoes are great for breakfast. They are an extremely healthy way to start your day. Sweet potatoes contain fiber, good carbs, and vitamin A, all nutrients you will need early on in the day.
Pair sweet potatoes with yogurt for the absolute best combination that will fill all your morning nutritive needs. They are a delicious and healthy start to your day for sure!
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!
