Instead, its a pretty sweet potato with pink skin and extremely sugary, smooth, orange flesh. Fun fact: Potatoes and sweet potatoes contain more potassium than a banana. That's thanks to early 20th-century Southern farmers, who began using "yam" to refer to the newer, orange-fleshed varieties of sweet potatoes they were cultivating, as a way to differentiate their product from the white-fleshed sweet potatoes Americans were already familiar with. Here are some of the most popular purple sweet potatoes that you can buy. Yams and sweet potatoes may look similar when it comes to shape, skin color, and flesh color. Potatoes are generally classified based on their texture: either waxy, starchy or all-purpose. It may surprise you to learn that the tubers many refer to as yams are actually varieties of sweet potato. There is also some confusion if sweet potatoes are a type of true potato. This variety of sweet potato was developed using Beauregards and has a distinct oblong shape and tapered ends. You can purchase a bag of 12 slips from the Home Depot. When cooked, Hannah sweet potatoes have a light yellow color. TASTE - Pretty sweet and fairly firm inside (Hannahs are considered a dry or firm meaning that the flesh is pretty firm and dry when cooked). If you see a bin simply labeled "sweet potatoes" it's likely you're either buying Beauregards or jewels. These characteristics make Hannahs perfect for roasting in chunks, adding to soups and salad or . But there are so many more types of potatoes out there to try! Hannah sweet potatoes have a shape and size similar to that of your average sweet potato, but they have more of a light brown outer layer. These sweet starchy root vegetables have light purple, sometimes red skin, and white flesh. Potato or Sweet Potato: Which Is Healthier? - Cleveland Clinic If you spend any time in Hawaii, you'll find these sweet potatoes incorporated into some of the most delicious potato salads around, dressed generously with my favorite condiment: mayonnaise. Normally this type of potato isn't the best choice for mashing, but Red Bliss potatoes have a tradition of being used as a mashing potato despite their texture. These varieties have light purple or reddish skins and sweet white flesh. Peeling off the skin reveals creamy white-colored flesh that has a mildly sweet flavor. Yukon Golds have thin gold skin that doesn't need to be peeled before mashing, and their creamy flesh has a sweet, buttery flavor. Various types of sweet potatoes are very versatile when it comes to cooking. Milder flavor than sweet potatoes. The Carolina Ruby or the Sweet Hannah will also make a tasty mash but may require a little more sweetening. This makes Creamsicles a good choice in the kitchen to make fries, boil, or use in stews and casseroles. All the varieties recommended below grow to around this size unless I note that they are bush varieties. Similar to the Russian Banana, the Rose Finn Apple has a more golden color on the inside; its high moisture content makes for a great smooth texture. One popular type of heirloom sweet potato is Envy. This heritage sweet potato variety has light orange skin and flesh of a similar color. From concessions, to bars, to casual restaurants, customers are always looking for good fries to complement their meals or munch on as a midnight snack. Sweet potatoes vs. potatoes: Which are really healthier? [Infographic] I've long believed that the sweet potato is a perfect foodit's filling, flavorful, easy to make, and, according to the internet, relatively nutritious. What Are Hannah Sweet Potatoes and Nutrition - Nightshade Family This sweet tuber has tan-colored skin and mildly sweet yellow-orange flesh. Nutrient content. This starchy potato is ideal for cutting into french fries because the large size produces a high yield and the potato texture crisps up when deep fried. Sometimes, this sweet potato cultivar is sold as garnet yams in the U.S. They are full of essential vitamins and minerals that offer a variety of health benefits. When baked, boiled, or fried, the smooth flesh has a sweet nutty taste. A mid-season semi-bush variety, this cultivar matures in 120 to 135 days. There's a place for them on almost every menu in every season, whether they're .css-1c1h30u{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#12837c;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1c1h30u:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}mashed or roasted, served as chips or fries, or in a creamy potato salad. They have a lovely nutty flavor. Both sweet and regular potatoes provide a variety of nutrients, including carbs, fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. But that's still less than the carb content of a white potato: 35 grams, on average. The identifying feature of the Carolina Ruby is the deep reddish-purple smooth skin that covers bright orange flesh. That . Gardeners in the North and Northeast will love Georgia Jet because she gives us a chance to grow sweet potatoes, which are notoriously warm-weather-loving plants. These potatoes originate from France and are similar in appearance to the Russian Banana Fingerling. They have coppery skin that ranges from red to purple with deep orange flesh. While most sweet potato varieties are delicious and incredibly versatile, knowing what type you're dealing with can help you choose a cooking method and sweet potato recipe that may be better suited for that spud. It's a popular culinary choice due to its sweet, buttery flavor and unique shape. Can be boiled, fried, baked, or mashed. Based in Lancaster, PA. WebstaurantStore is the largest online restaurant supply store servicing professionals and individual customers worldwide. Real yams are native to Asia and Africa, and have scaly brown skin surrounding very starchy white flesh. As a freelance writer, she contributes to several websites and blogs across the web. ).The most common varieties in the U.S. are the Beauregard (the most widely grown cultivar), the jewel, and the garnet (also sometimes known as red yams). The Japanese satsuma-imo is my absolute favorite sweet potato. They're collected shortly after the potato plant has flowered, and they have thin, delicate skin with creamy flesh. The Russian Banana potato is a fingerling potato that gets its name from its yellow flesh and curved, crescent-like shape. You can also slice and cook these tasty tubers on the grill, topping them with a simple herb dressing like minced cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. The name Murasaki means "purple" in Japanese, as the potato is similar in look and taste . Each variety of potato has unique qualities that make it more suited for certain cooking methods. The reason why these white-fleshed OHenry sweet potatoes are so popular is that they are almost as sweet as the orange varieties. 16 Shades of Sweet: A Sweet Potato Guide | Saveur Have a higher sugar content, lower carbs and calories. Their firmness and dense texture makes Hannah sweet potatoes ideal for roasting in chunks, turning into fries, or mashing as a side dish. Thanks to its smooth flesh, Hernandez doesnt have any of the strings that the youngest of foodies might not love. If you slice into a French fingerling potato, you can often see some reddish streaks throughout the flesh. An early variety, Hannah matures in about 110 days. When forming your recipes, make sure to choose the right potato for the job. And no matter what kind you choose, be sure to store them properly so they lastcheck out this potato storage guide! GARDENER'S PATH IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. In most Spanish speaking countries, sweet potatoes are known simply as batatas. You can roast sweet potatoes, use them in casseroles, or bake with them. Though I think of these as very sweet, their flavor is actually more subdued and subtle than other breeds. Here are 16 different sweet spuds in a range of colors, textures, and flavors to consider as you make your favorite sweet potato recipes. Murasaki boasts bright purple skin and cream-colored flesh thats flaky, nutty, and slightly sweet. Unlike the orange sweet potatoes above, Hannah sweet potatoes have light tan skin and a white interior. Hannah Purple Japanese Once upon a time we simply had sweet potatoes in most supermarkets in the United States. Sweet potato fries, sweet potato pie or candied sweet potatoes are great ways to use O'Henrys. Georgia Jet has reddish-purple skin and moist, sweet, orange flesh. You can learn all about growing them in our guide. In addition to being sweet and flavorful, they retain their lovely orange hue even after baking. So, friends: what will you do with the I. batata cultivars you grow? Sumor is an early variety that matures in 110 to 120 days and features robust disease and pest resistance. Laura Ojeda Melchor grew up helping her mom in the garden in Montana, and as an adult shes brought her cold-weather gardening skills with her to her home in Alaska. Because Hannahs are quite firm, they also do well when used for gnocchi, baked into a casserole or sliced into wedges and fried. Yams are completely unrelated to sweet potatoes! This variety probably doesnt have the same disease and pest-resistance qualities as newer cultivars, but its a tasty staple in the sweet potato world. How to Grow and Care for Tulips, .slick-slider#wpsp-83657 {margin-left: 0px; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; }#wpsp-83657.wpsp-card .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 2em; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 0px; }#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-inner {background-color: #ffffff; }#wpsp-83657.wp-show-posts .wp-show-posts-entry-title {font-size: .9em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83657 {margin-left: -2em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin: 0 0 2em 2em; } Okinawan matures in 120 to 180 days and is well worth the wait. The best part is that they are easy to find at your local grocery store, farmers' market and on many restaurant menus. Its also a smart pick for Northern gardeners because it matures in just 90 days, and the tubers store well. When cooked, these sweet potatoes have a slight flakiness akin to a regular potato. Korean sweet potatoes are some of the best examples of these Asian vegetables. In these countries, the orange and white flesh varieties are the most popular. With additional writing and editing by Allison Sidhu. They have white flesh which tends to be dryer and starchier than other sweet potato varieties, with a slightly nutty, floral, sweet flavor. So, sweet potatoes (family Convolvulaceae) are completely unrelated to yams. This potato has the purple skin and flesh of a blue potato and the small, slender shape of a fingerling. Here in the US, we classify potatoes as one of these seven types: Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes: What's the Difference? - Taste Of Home Sweet potatoes are native to tropical countries in Central and South America. Andrews finds the purple variety to have a bit of a nutty taste, so she recommends roasting purple sweet potatoes whole and sprinkling with salt, pepper and turmeric. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the GooglePrivacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Beauregards have purplish-red skin and a deep orange interior. While they have a softer texture, they tend to hold their shape pretty well, which makes them great for roasting and for casseroles. We may not be able to turn up the heat, but with Georgia Jet, we only need to wait 90 to 100 days til shes ready for picking. Get fresh recipes, cooking tips, deal alerts, and more! Many people regard the flavor of Covingtons as the best among all the sweet potato varieties available. Another of the most popular varieties of sweet potato is the delicious Covington cultivar. French fingerlings are not as elongated in shape as your typical fingerling, but they have a dark red outer skin, similar to the Red Thumb. Diane sweet potatoes are one of the varieties that is often confused with yams. For example, the Okinawa purple sweet potato variety from Japan has beige skin and dark purple flesh. Dry flesh also soaks up liquids like a sponge, so any dairy or butter that's added to the potato will absorb quickly and evenly. Hannah sweet potatoes have semi-smooth tan skin with shallow eyes, cream-colored flesh and a cylindrical, oblong shape with rounded tapered ends. This early cultivar matures in 90 to 100 days and is resistant to streptomyces soil rot and fusarium wilt, but is susceptible to root-knot nematodes. This has reddish-purple skin and vibrant orange sweet flesh. Their moist flesh is good for baking, mashing, or frying. Be sure to check out our commercial fryer reviews as well! Sumor has an interesting claim to fame: it tastes almost exactly like a standard white-fleshed potato, and stores well. Looking at pictures of the Jersey sweet potato you can see that it is similar in color to regular potatoes. Traditional potatoes the kinds used to make fries, potato mash, and roast potatoes are from the nightshade family Solanaceae. One of the most interesting varieties of sweet potatoes from Asia is the Murasaki sweet potato from Japan. They thrive in Zones 6 through 12 but some varieties can grow in cooler zones with adequate support. True yams, on the other hand, belong to the Dioscorea genus. Shop All Commercial French Fry Cutters, How to Choose the Best Commercial Deep Fryer, While the process of dropping a battered product in hot oil is simple enough, selecting the correct commercial deep fryer for your circumstances and application can be difficult. The Jewel variety is likely what you are used to seeing and eating when you think of a classic sweet potato. The dark-red skinned tubers have a long oblong shape similar to yams. The exterior absorbs oil and becomes deliciously crispy, while the interior remains fluffy. It grows to about 12 to 30 inches tall and two to three feet wide, although it can be planted just 12 to 15 inches from other Vardaman plants. Vardaman is susceptible to root-knot nematodes and soil insects, but it is resistant to fusarium wilt. Jewel is resistant to fusarium wilt, root-knot nematodes, sweet potato beetles, and internal cork. Peeling off the skin reveals creamy white-colored flesh that has a mildly sweet flavor. These plump tuberous vegetables have rose to red-colored skin with succulent orange flesh. In this case, yam is just a nickname for a softer variety of sweet potato. Braising these taters, or cooking them low and slow, gives them a silky texture. The most noticeable characteristic, however, is the bright red color. Plus, its resistant to russet crack, root-knot nematodes, fusarium wilt, and streptomyces soil rot. Sometimes referred to as the Ube sweet potato, this tuberous root is actually a type of purple yam. Below you'll find a list of the most popular potato types, our tips for identifying them, and suggestions for the best cooking methods. The popular Hannah batata (sweet potato) has light tan skin and yellow flesh. They feel so strongly about it that it's common to see the Kennebec name called out on their menu. Lastly, all-purpose potatoes can do a little bit of everything. Product photos via Burpee and Home Depot. It is, however, susceptible to rhizopus soft rot and bacterial soft rot. The taste of Carolina Rubys is described as mildly sweet with delicious moist flesh. Color: Light brown skins, white flesh.Flavor: Sweet.Texture: Dense, firm, creamy.Best uses: Roasting, mashing. They contain a medium amount of starch, which gives them fluffy texture when mashed or baked. Or marshmallows, maybe. You won't achieve a smooth, creamy mash with Red Bliss, but the thin red skins require no peeling and the sweet, buttery flesh is complemented by garlic, herbs, and lemon. Unlike soft sweet potatoes, this variety remains firm and waxy after cooking. Hannahs are dense, firm, and creamy, and much less prone to becoming waterlogged than orange sweet potatoes. How to Select the Best Houseplant Potting Soil and Containers. Jewel potatoes are one of the most popular orange varieties of sweet potato used for baking and making casseroles. While white potatoes are higher in potassium, sweet potatoes provide. How to Identify and Control Squash Bugs. OHenry is an early variety, ready for picking about 100 days after planting. If you see a bin simply labeled "sweet potatoes" it's likely you're either buying Beauregards or jewels (we'll get to those in a moment). One of the quickest and easiest ways to enjoy a sweet potato is to pierce the skin with a fork and pop it in the microwave for about five minutes. And remember to check out these root-veggie roundups, too: Photos by Meghan Yager and Nikki Cervone Ask the Experts, LLC. Pair them with sauces that are bright and acidic, such as a salsa verde or chimichurri. The Rose Finn Apple is a variety of fingerling potato with a light reddish or pink color. But there are several different types of sweet potatoes grown worldwide. To get started, purchase a set of 12 or 25 slips from Burpee. Which cultivar is your favorite? Harvest plants in 90 days for tasty, tender baby bakers thatll make your mouth water. The Red Gold potato has an ashy red color on the outside and a more golden hue on the inside. For a unique presentation, try the Hasselback cooking method with Hannah sweet potatoes. This $12 Tool Makes Taco Tuesday So Much Easier. (Learn about other foodspacked with potassium.) Also known as the Hawaiian sweet potato or the Uala, this purple tuber has light brown skin and purple flesh. Potatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients in a commercial kitchen. With hundreds of thousands of products available and millions of orders shipped, we have everything your business needs to function at its best. If there's one place to get started when using Yukon golds, it's a classic mashed potato, like these creamy mashed potatoes from Ree Drummond. The Hannah Sweet Potato is one of the most popular white varieties. Many other countries around the world such as Australia, Asia, islands of the Pacific, and Europe now grow sweet potatoes. In fact, in the U.S., it is very rare to find true yams for sale in the store. Another type of purple sweet potato from the family Convolvulaceae is the Okinawan cultivar. NUTRITION - Data from Whole Foods. See our TOS for more details. Here in the US, we classify potatoes as one of these seven types: Potatoes are also categorized by the texture of their flesh and the best way to prepare them. Jewels are definitely a go-to variety for baking and casseroles, so pop these spuds in the oven whole or cut them in wedges, toss with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast them at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown. This oblong-shaped potato has rosy skin and medium orange flesh. The German Butterball variety is a yellow potato with a medium round shape. Another offering from the Louisiana State University AgCenter, Burgundy was released in 2014 and is resistant to soil rot, southern root-knot nematodes, and fusarium wilt. What's the Difference Between Sweet Potatoes and Yams? The skin is tan, with yellow or white flesh inside. The purple color comes from pigments called anthocyanins which are powerful antioxidants. If you love visually striking veggies, you wont want to miss out on Murasaki, which matures in 100 to 120 days. Use some of these in a potato salad or you could shred some to make homemade hash browns. Sweet potatoes actually belong to the morning glory family, Convolvulaceae (that means lots of pretty flowers! MonaMakela. Keia is the Deputy Editor of Crop Stories, a food magazine telling the stories of farming in the agricultural South. There are thousands of potato varieties grown worldwide, but only a fraction of that number are grown commercially in the US. Low-Carb Diet: Can I Eat Sweet Potatoes? - WebMD Hannah sweet potatoes have a shape and size similar to that of your average sweet potato, but they have more of a light brown outer layer. Because of its attractive, pink marbled flesh, the Red Thumb is a popular choice in gourmet settings. Their skin color is not an indication of the flesh color. The skin is often purple or red with a textured, semi-rough feel and some shallow eyes. Blue potatoes like the All Blue variety have dark purple skin and purple flesh that comes from a high concentration of the antioxidant, anthocyanin. Can be boiled or fried. If I lived in a warmer hardiness zone, Id be growing Okinawan for sure. Even more fascinating, I. batatas are part of the morning glory family, Convolvulaceae, while true yams belong to the Dioscoreaceae family. However, it still has a sweet nutty taste that is common to all types of sweet potato. Perfectly Baked Sweet Potato (How to bake Sweet Potatoes) But if you told me right now that I could never eat another sweet potato, I dont know how Id go on living. It has a sweet, nutty flavor similar to a roasted chestnut and a dense texture that's compared to thick pudding. You can purchase sets of 12 or 25 slips from Burpee. If you're looking to show off that beautiful purple hue, she suggests steaming them and pureeing them into a smoothie or soup. Russets have a brownish color and a sandy outer layer. Unlike most other sweet potatoes, this Japanese variety has drier flesh. Theyre incredibly similar. Let this not-at-all-exhaustive guide act as a doorway into the vast and incredible world of Ipomoea batatas (that's science for "sweet potatoes"). The average vine spread is 36 to 48 inches, and the average height is six to 10 inches. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. (1). Due to the smooth texture of the flesh, many chefs recommend using Hannah sweet potatoes to make sweet mash. Other purple potato varieties lose some of their pigment and turn a grayish color when cooked, which makes the Adirondack Blue a great choice when you want to showcase the vibrant color. While some sweet potatoes are dense, starchy, and creamy, others are more watery when cooked, with a stringier texture. Elazar Sontag is a writer from Oakland, California, living in Brooklyn. Color: Dark-purple skins, pale yellow flesh.Flavor: Subtly sweet, nutty, rich.Texture: Dense, starchy, smooth.Best uses: Steaming, roasting. I love roasting Hannah potatoes with red bell peppers, onions, leeks, and carrots for a filling and wholesome side dish. They can also be easily incorporated into a wide range of meals to add depth and balance to a dish. When cooked, Hannah sweet potatoes have a light yellow color. Though our site boasts some truly excellent sweet potato recipes, Ive always preferred them completely plain. Unlike starchy potatoes that fall apart when cooked, waxy potatoes hold their shape. Their skin can be shades of dark red, purple, or dark brown. Although their color is similar to regular starchy potatoes, they have an oblong shape that tapers at either end. The Japanese sweet potato has more starch than other varieties. Or, I should say, with added warmth. Use just about any cooking method for these gold potatoes and you won't be disappointed with the results. Common uses. 20 Sweet Potato Varieties You'll Love To Grow - Epic Gardening These potatoes also have a sandy reddish color but a more white flesh. Try pureeing them and baking them into these sweet potato blondies with maple glaze, a scrumptious recipe from our sister site, Foodal. Is a white sweet potato a yam? Choosing an all-purpose potato provides the most options when it comes to preparation. Receive coupon codes and more right to your inbox. The Jewel sweet potato is the best variety to use for making mash as it doesn't require too much added sugar and has a slightly nutty flavor. Jewels have light orange skin, and are less intensely sweet than Beauregards, but can be used in many of the same recipes. What Are Murasaki Sweet Potatoes? - Allrecipes