Here are 10 facts about sweet potatoes, Mississippi’s new state vegetable
Two years after blueberries were deemed the state fruit, a new produce has now come into the spotlight. On July 1, Mississippi officially deemed the sweet potato as its official state vegetable, which is shared with Alabama, Louisiana and North Carolina.
Although Mississippi ranks third nationally for domestic sweet potato production, there are lots of unique uses and health benefits that often go overlooked. Here are 10 fun facts about sweet potatoes that you may not have known.
1.) They come in many different colors
Sweet potatoes, commonly characterized by brown skin and orange insides/flesh, can also have orange, yellow, white, red and purple shades. The different colors of the flesh determine the taste.
2.) Sweet potatoes’ leaves can improve soil health
The leaves from sweet potatoes can be used in compost or mulch to help improve the quality of soil and to help suppress weed growth.
3.) You can use them to brew beer
Sweet potatoes can be roasted until caramelized and mixed with another ale or brew to create a sweet-tasting beer. The flavor of the beer can vary depending on the type of sweet potato.
4.) They’re an energy booster
Sweet potatoes are a great energy boost for athletes and active people due to their carbohydrate-rich nature and the presence of Vitamin B6, which deals with immune and nervous system health.
5.) Common vegan/vegetarian alternative
Sweet potatoes are often used as vegan and vegetarian alternatives for meat in certain dishes due to their being both flavorful and healthy.
6.) Sweet potatoes aren’t actually potatoes
Sweet potatoes aren’t classified as potatoes at all, but as a type of root instead. Potatoes are considered tubers or vegetables that originate from stems. Similarly, sweet potatoes aren’t yams either, as yams are also tubers and have a bumpier exterior.
7.) They can help reduce the use of plastic waste
The starch from sweet Potatoes has been reused as raw material for packaging made of biodegradable plastics. This decreases environmental pollution and puts to better use of sweet potato peels, which are often considered less economical.
8.) Sweet potatoes were cultivated before “regular” potatoes
According to historic records, the earliest cultivation records of sweet potatoes came around 750 BCE, and they are acknowledged as precursors to Irish potatoes, which only began cultivation around the late 16th century.
9.) They are not refrigerator friendly
When sweet potatoes become too cold or too moist, their decline speed is increased, which can lead to internal darkening and an increased bitter taste. It’s recommended to keep them cool and dry in a basket or mesh bag to allow air flow.
10.) The largest sweet potato festival in the U.S. is held in Mississippi
What most consider to be the largest sweet potato festival in the country is held in Vardaman, Mississippi, often recognized as the sweet potato capital of the world. Pie-eating contests, cooking competitions, arts and crafts and more grace the Mississippi city for the entire first week of November.