Choose Your Spud: Exploring Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes

Did you know that potatoes and sweet potatoes are two of the most important food crops worldwide? They are enjoyed in every part of the world due to their versatility, nutritional value, flavour and long storage capabilities. To maximize the benefits of these versatile root vegetables and prevent food waste, here’s a little more about these potatoes and how to best select and store them.

The Difference Between Sweet Potatoes and Potatoes

While both potatoes and sweet potatoes are root vegetables that make excellent sides for dinner, they actually belong to different plant families. Potatoes are part of the nightshade family, along with tomatoes and eggplants while sweet potatoes belong to the morning glory family.

Potatoes generally have a mild, earthy flavor, while sweet potatoes have a distinct sweet taste.

Nutritionally, both types of potatoes are rich in fibre, carbohydrates and vitamins B6 and C. Regular potatoes are slightly higher in potassium and protein while sweet potatoes provide more vitamin A and have a lower glycemic index. In other words, either one is an excellent choice.

Picking the Right Spud: Choose What You’ll Use

When picking your spuds, select firm, heavy tubers with smooth skin. Avoid any with mold spots and on potatoes, avoid those with green patches (indicating solanine which is unsafe to eat).

Practice Choose What You’ll Use and buy only the amount and the variety you plan to use. While most potatoes can easily be substituted for one another, there are some differences you might want to consider.

Potato Varieties

Russet Potatoes: High in starch, these are ideal for baking, French fries, and mashing. Their fluffy texture is a crowd-pleaser.

Red Potatoes: Lower in starch and waxy, they hold their shape well, making them perfect for boiling, roasting, and potato salad.

Yukon Gold Potatoes: A versatile option with a buttery flavor, good for baking, roasting, and mashing.

New Potatoes: Small, waxy potatoes with thin skin, excellent for boiling, roasting, and adding to salads. These potatoes only have a one to two week shelf life, so enjoy quickly.

Sweet Potato Varieties

Orange Sweet Potatoes: The classic sweet potato, with vibrant orange flesh rich in beta-carotene. Enjoy them roasted, mashed, or blended into soups and stews.

Purple Fleshed Sweet Potatoes: Packed with antioxidants, these vibrant beauties add a stunning touch to dishes with their purple skin and purple flesh. Roast them or transform them into colorful mashed potatoes.

White Sweet Potatoes: Milder in flavor than orange sweet potatoes, they are excellent for salads and stir-fries. These have a white flesh and light golden colour skin.

Murasaki Sweet Potatoes: These sweet spuds have a purple skin and a white flesh. They are drier and starchier than their orange counterparts and have a more nutty flavour. They are sometimes labeled “Japanese sweet potatoes”.

Note: Purple yams or ube while similar, are not the same as purple sweet potatoes.

Keeping Your Spuds Fresh

Store both potatoes and sweet potatoes in cool, dark, and well-ventilated areas in a breathable container or paper bag. Avoid storing next to onions or in the fridge which may negatively impact their taste, colour and texture.

For dinner inspiration visit our Recipes and search for your favourite ingredients. Share your creation or your favourite potato or sweet potato recipe with us by tagging @lovefoodhatewasteca.