
Ingredient Name: Sweet potatoes
Traditional Chinese Name: 蕃薯 (gān shǔ)
What is this?
- Sweet, starchy tuber that resembles the potato in shape and size
- The colours of sweet potatoes range from dark brown to light pink to dark purple with varying colours on the inside (there are over 1,000 variaties of sweet potatoes)
- Often mistaken for or named Yam (which is a different vegetable)
- Sweet potatoes can be found almost everywhere in the world
- It has many culinary uses (from sweet to salty flavours)
How do I prepare it?
- Wash thoroughly in cool water
- Peel skin prior to use and remove ends
Where can I buy this?
- You can buy from most supermarkets
What is the cost?
- Sweet potatoes cost varies depending on the breed, size and originality
- In general, I usually purchase Japanese sweet potatoes and those cost around $50 HKD per pound
Any benefits?
- Extremely rich in beta-carotene, dietary fiber, Vitamin C and Vitamin B
- Good source of simple starches
- Choose orange fleshed sweet potatoes for a boost of beta-carotene over their paler counterparts
Any precautions?
- Be sure to buy firm sweet potatoes
Any substitutes?
- The yam makes a good substitute as they are similar in taste and texture (although bigger and have thicker skin)
Any additional information?
- Sweet potatoes stores extremely well in dry weather and can keep up to 3-6 months without refrigeration
Resources:
THX that’s a great anrwse!