February is National Sweet Potato Month. Sweet potatoes are in season in the fall, but can be stored through the winter. Sweet potatoes come in a variety of colors – white, orange, red, and even blue – but the deep orange type is the most popular.
Sweet Potato Nutrition Facts
As a member of the red/orange vegetable subgroup, you know sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, the plant version of Vitamin A. They also are high in potassium, fiber, and Vitamin C. Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense food that we should be eating more of.
Sweet Potatoes in Virginia
North Carolina is the number 1 sweet potato growing state in the United States. But Virginia grows sweet potatoes, too. You’ll find a wider variety at farmers markets, which is where I’ve picked up a few blue and purple ones before. Check out this handy fact sheet to help you select and store sweet potatoes for the best quality (with two bonus recipes!).
Eating Smart with Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are super versatile. You can cook and flavor them in many different ways. I always enjoy a little sweet and spicy combo with my sweet potatoes, so I usually sprinkle them with a little cumin or chipotle powder. Sweet potatoes and black beans are a pretty tasty combo for vegetarian Tex-Mex recipes (like this one). Their sweetness also pairs really well with maple and cinnamon, too. Now that your mouth is watering, here are 10 Tips to Enjoy Sweet Potatoes and a selection of recipes from FNP, USDA’s Mixing Bowl, FoodHero.org, and NC’s Sweet Potato Commission.
- Baked Sweet Potato
- Garden Vegetable Cakes
- Maple Roasted Vegetable Medley
- Maple Sweet Potatoes
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Apples
- Orange Pork Chops
- Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Peanutty African Stew
- Spicy Sweet Potato Slaw
- Sweet Potato and Apple Skillet
- Sweet Potato Cottage Pie
- Sweet Potato Custard
- Sweet Potato Pancakes
- Sweet Potato Patties
- Sweet Potato Salad
- Sweet Potatoes and Apples
- Turkey and Sweet Potato Dinner
What’s your favorite sweet potato recipe? Share in the comments!