Harvest of the Month: Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are comforting, nutritious and packed with fiber, which may support the microbiome. Learn more about these antioxidant-rich treats and see our favorite holiday sweet potato recipes.
How to pick and store sweet potatoes
Select sweet potatoes that are free of bruises and cracks. Fresh sweet potatoes are firm and uniform in color. Shriveled skin, soft spots and multiple sprouts are all signs that a sweet potato is past its prime.
Store your sweet potatoes in a well-ventilated, cool, dry place away from sunlight. They should last up to three weeks when stored in this manner. Roasted or mashed sweet potatoes keep well in the fridge for about three days or in the freezer for up to one year.
Nutrition facts and health benefits:
One medium sweet potato has about 15% of the daily value of fiber. Research has shown that fiber is important for digestive health and may help feed the good bacteria in your gut, helping them thrive. A healthy gut microbiome (the ecosystem of microbes in your intestine) is essential for digestive health, the immune system and overall wellness. Additionally, sweet potatoes provide potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C and zinc.
Bring joy to the table with these delicious recipes
Baked Sweet Potato
Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potato Fun Facts:
- Americans consume about 7.5 lbs of sweet potatoes per year per person
- Sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamin A, which is helpful for our vision
- Despite their name, sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index, meaning they do not cause a high rise in blood sugar levels, making them a healthy food for everyone to consume, including those with diabetes
- The Sweet Potato originated in South America, where Ecuador is now located. However, the top world wide exporter of sweet potatoes today is China.