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What are sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes have a creamy texture and a sweet-spicy flavour that makes them ideal for savoury dishes. There are two types, one with bright orange flesh, the other with pale cream flesh.

Sweet potatoes are native to the tropical Americas and are sometimes referred to as 'yams' in the USA. These tubers are rich in fibre, vitamins A, C and B6, and an excellent source of carbohydrates. The orange-fleshed variety are also rich in betacarotene.

Read more about the health benefits of sweet potatoes.

How to prepare sweet potatoes

Unless your sweet potatoes are particularly small and smooth, remove the skins with a peeler as they are often well-travelled and can be tough.

How to cook sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes have traditionally been baked, roasted or mashed, but they can also be added to risotto, pasta or curry.

See our guide for how to cook sweet potatoes and get ideas for sweet potato recipes.

How to store sweet potatoes

Store in a cool, dark place and use within a week of purchase.

When are sweet potatoes in season?

Peak season for sweet potatoes is October to March.

Find out how to grow your own crop in the Gardeners' World guide to growing sweet potatoes.

Choose the best sweet potatoes

Try to choose small to medium-sized sweet potatoes with unblemished skins, as they will be more tender when cooked.

Alternatives to sweet potatoes

Try medium sized potatoes or pumpkins.

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