Sweet Potatoes are more than just a pretty orange face
First things first, did you know sweet potatoes aren’t actually potatoes? They belong to the morning glory family and come in a stunning spectrum of colours beyond the familiar orange. Think creamy whites, earthy reds, and deep purples, each bringing its own unique flavour and health perks. That stunning sunset-orange colour? It’s all thanks to beta-carotene, nature’s little beauty booster that helps keep your skin glowing, your eyes sharp and your immune system ready to roll.
Time to dig into the origins
Sweet potatoes are native to Central and South America, where they were widely cultivated by around 2500 BC, making them one of the oldest domesticated tuber crops in human history. Remarkably, long before European explorers crossed the ocean, sweet potatoes had already made a mysterious pre-Columbian journey across the Pacific to Polynesia.
Archaeological finds and genetic studies suggest Polynesian voyagers may have sailed to South America, brought sweet potato cuttings aboard their canoes, and spread them across islands from Easter Island to Hawaii. Linguistic parallels, like the word kūmara in both Polynesia and the Andes, strengthen this connection.
By the time Columbus arrived in 1492, Native Americans were already cultivating sweet potatoes. A century later, the crop was firmly rooted in the American South, where its natural sweetness and versatility made it a staple of traditional cuisine. Today, sweet potatoes remain a global favorite, celebrated for both their rich history and their flavor.
Why Sweet Potatoes took the U.S. (and the world) by storm
The U.S. has played a major role in the sweet potato’s modern rise, thanks to perfect growing conditions and passionate farmers. Sunny days and rich soils help the U.S. Sweet Potatoes develop that signature sweetness and vibrant colours.
The American Sweet Potato Marketing Institute, or ASPMI, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the U.S. Sweet Potato industry both at home and abroad. They support research into sweet potato growing practices, technologies and processes to ensure the highest quality produce for farmers and consumers worldwide. ASPMI champions farming and harvesting efforts across five key states including North Carolina, California, Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas, helping to keep America’s Sweet Potato supply thriving and top-notch.
Sweet potatoes found a particularly happy home in the warm, sandy soils of North Carolina, which quickly became the heartland of sweet potato growing in the U.S.. North Carolina has earned its place as the sweet potato capital of the country, producing more than 60 per cent of America’s supply.
North Carolina Sweetpotatoes are typically harvested in the fall, when their balanced sweetness and flavour are at their peak. Thanks to innovative storage techniques and curing processes, you can find these delicious tubers in stores all year round. Generations of growers have perfected their craft, making sure every batch delivers knockout flavour, smooth texture and consistency buyers can count on. Discover more about North Carolina Sweetpotatos on their website.
Sweet Potatoes they pack a HUGE nutritional punch
Sweet potatoes aren’t just sweet and tasty; they pack WAY more nutrients than their yam cousins, including extra protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A and a whole lot of goodness your body will thank you for.
One cup of raw sweet potato serves up around 114 calories, zero fat, 2 grams of protein and 27 grams of carbs, including 4 grams of fiber to keep things moving smoothly. On top of that, it gives you a solid hit of vitamin C, calcium and magnesium, making sweet potatoes a delicious way to sneak in some serious nutrition. What’s not to love, right?
Want to learn more? Visit the North Carolina Sweetpotato website and the Sweet Potato Marketing Institute site to dive deeper into the story behind this beloved root. Or get inspired and check out some of our Sweet Potato recipes.
