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

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