Historical introduction:

Sweet Potatoes are dicotyledonous plants and belong to the kingdom plantae. Sweet potato is an edible as well as a beautiful white and purple colored flower in Hong Kong. The origin and domestication of sweet potato is thought to be in either Central America or South America. In Central America, sweet potatoes were domesticated at least 5,000 years ago. In Sout h America, Peruvian sweet potato remnants dating as far back as 8000 BC have been found. Here we shall discuss about the edible side of sweet potato.

Variety and structure of Sweet Potatoes:

Sweet potato is a sweet-tasting potato having roots, young leaves and shoots. It is distantly related to potato and its scientific name is Ipomoea batatas. Sweet potatoes come in variety of colors and skins mainly yellow, orange, red, brown, purple, pink and violet. The native town of sweet potatoes in America where approximately 1000 of its species have been found.

Suitable Climate for the growth of Sweet potatoes:

Sweet potatoes are cultivated throughout tropical and warm temperate regions wherever there is sufficient water to support their growth. Many Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, China and Bangladesh provide suitable climate for the growth of sweet potatoes. The sweet potato is considered as a staple in some tropical countries where rice and potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are scarce or expensive.

Nutritional value of Sweet potatoes:

Sweet potatoes have a nutritional value of super food as they are packed with both nutrients and a sweet flavor, sweet potatoes are one of the most versatile and healthful vegetables available. They are chock-full of disease-preventing, cancer-fighting, and immune-boosting benefits. These orange-fleshed potatoes are known to be a great source of beta-carotene. But they also deliver good sources of “vitamin A, a good source of vitamin C, and are full of manganese, calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin B6 and fiber.

Health benefits of Sweet potatoes:

There are also a lot of medical uses of sweet potatoes. They are a good source of improving digestion and very soothing for the stomach and intestines. If you want to gain weight, then sweet potatoes contains healthy vitamins, minerals and proteins. They provide extra amount of energy and are easily digestible. Sweet potatoes treat inflammation and boost immune system. They are also effective for relieving asthma. People who suffer from Bronchitis are also given treatment in the form of sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes fight with cancer and cure arthritis pain.

Culinary uses of Sweet Potatoes:

Sweet potatoes have many culinary uses. Cooks have made it into fries, fried battered patties, and plain fried slices, eaten with burgers or alone. Other interesting culinary products are sweet potatoes pies, pancakes, sweet desserts, potato balls, porridge, stew, caramelized chunks, buns, baked, or in soups. Among all the Asian countries, China has more sweet potato dishes than any other country.