If you look around the world, you will quickly see that sweetpotatoes are one of the most important staple foods. In fact, after corn, rice, wheat and a few others, sweetpotatoes rank in 7th place.
Of all places, why North Carolina?
The U.S. state on the East coast is the largest producer of sweetpotatoes in the United States. With its humid subtropical climate and sandy loam soil, North Carolina offers excellent conditions for growing sweetpotatoes. Not to mention, farmers work with the latest cultivation methods and use the latest technologies.
What makes North Carolina sweetpotatoes so good?
Time and care! Since sweetpotatoes have a thin skin, they are collected by hand and carefully placed in buckets that are later emptied into wooden storage bins. Before the sweetpotatoes are sold on the market, they are stored for ripening. During the ripening process, the starch turns into sugar, making the sweetpotatoes taste sweeter and more aromatic than freshly harvested produce. Sweetpotatoes can be stored for up to twelve months without any loss of flavor or consistency. Therefore, sweetpotatoes are available all year round. The aroma is slightly nutty, and the taste is said to be somewhat reminiscent of pumpkin and carrot.
7 Fun Ways to Enjoy North Carolina Sweetpotatoes
North Carolina Sweetpotatoes can be prepared in so many different ways and combined with a variety of flavors and ingredients. The sweet root harmonizes especially well with these ingredients: Orange juice and grated orange peel, rum, bourbon, ginger, brown sugar, syrup, raisins, pecans and currants. Here are 7 recipe ideas to inspire you to get creative with the delicious North Carolina Sweetpotato.
1. Sweetpotato Ice Cream with Almond Brittle
Sweetpotatoes are most commonly associated with a hot meal. Time for a little surprise: who would have thought that this healthy and low fat vegetable makes such a great ingredient for a creamy ice cream?
This vibrant and vegan ice cream is made with sweetpotatoes from North Carolina, almond milk, a dash of cinnamon, salt, agave syrup, and blanched almond kernels. This frozen dessert has an aromatic, fine, and sweet taste.
2. Sweetpotato Cabbage Salad with Ginger
Served in lettuce leaves, this refreshing take on sweetpotatoes is worth the try! This flavorful coleslaw consists of thinly cut strips of sweetpotatoes mixed together with walnuts, green onion and a zesty dressing of lime juice, sugar, ginger and salt.
This recipe is the perfect healthy snack for in between and also goes well with some fried or grilled chicken breast.
3. Sweetpotato Smoothie with Walnut Milk
Just because a smoothie is orange, doesn’t mean it’s made with oranges. This vibrant smoothie gets its color from North Carolina sweetpotatoes and juicy mango. Creamy and nutritious, this blended drink is completed with a bit of cinnamon, some walnut kernels, and lime juice.
4. Sweetpotato Gnocchi
Time for a delicious main course: Sweetpotato Gnocchi!
The italian specialty, gnocchi, gets a subtle twist thanks to the orange veggie. Impress friends and family, or simply yourself, with this tasty dish served with cherry tomatoes, arugula, parmesan and pistachios. Simple, yet oh so good!
5. Sweetpotato Rounds with Vegan Ricotta and Toasted Walnuts
In need of a mouth-watering and good-looking appetizer? Then Eating by Elaine developed the perfect recipe for you with the help of North Carolina Sweetpotatoes. The Sweetpotato Rounds with Vegan Ricotta and Toasted Walnuts are topped with a Homemade Vegan Ricotta, toasted walnut pieces, pomegranate seeds (or dried cranberries), fresh chives, and a drizzle of pure maple syrup. Bon Appétit!
6. Sweetpotato Waffles with Pumpkin Curd
If you love waffles and need an excuse to make them into a regular meal, then these savory sweetpotato waffles may be the answer!
Sweetpotato and bacon pieces are mixed into the waffle batter. Once the waffles are fluffy and warm, they are served with a creamy dip consisting of sour cream, arugula and pumpkin seeds.
7. Sweetpotato Balls with Applesauce Dip
Golden brown and crunchy – these bite-sized sweetpotato balls are a fun little savory-sweet treat. This fried specialty is served with a delicious homemade applesauce dip that is prepared with a dash of vanilla sugar, cinnamon and maple syrup. You can enjoy these sweetpotato balls as a snack, a side or even just a fun, fried meal to satisfy cravings.
If you want to know more about North Carolina Sweetpotatoes then check out https://www.sweetpotatoes-usa.com/!
