Purple sweet potatoes have a deep purple flesh and are high in antioxidants. They are becoming more readily available in traditional supermarkets and can be prepared in various ways, such as roasting or mashing. They should not be confused with purple yams or potatoes.
Purple sweet potatoes are a type that have light purple skin and deep purple flesh. They taste very similar to the more common orange sweet potatoes but are generally believed to have more powerful antioxidant properties. Generally a little harder to find than other types of sweet potatoes, purple sweet potatoes can be prepared in a number of ways.
When most people think of a sweet potato, they picture an orange-colored tuber. As a result, many people are surprised when they first see the vibrant purple hue that is characteristic of purple sweet potatoes. This tuber, sometimes known as the Asian sweet potato, comes in several varieties, including Japanese, Korean, and Molokai. Traditionally available primarily through Asian markets, these sweet potatoes have become an increasingly popular crop for farmers in the United States. As a result, they are more readily available in traditional supermarkets and produce stores than they used to be.
The main difference between orange and purple potatoes is the nutritional content. While the orange variety is notoriously high in beta carotene, the purple kind is best known for its cancer-fighting antioxidant potential. Anthocyanin, the pigment that gives purple sweet potatoes their exotic color, also produces their potent antioxidant activity. This beneficial quality is actually enhanced by cooking potatoes, making them a sought after ally of many in the fight against cancer.
People very often confuse sweet potatoes with yams, using the terms interchangeably. The same goes for purple sweet potatoes due to the fact that there is also a purple variety of potato. While sweet potatoes are generally larger, sweeter, and moister than the average sweet potato, the main distinguishing factor is the skin. The skin color of a sweet potato generally matches the color of the flesh, while the skin color of a potato will not. For example, purple potatoes have light purple skins, matching the vivid color inside, while a purple yam has brown or tan skin, giving no idea of the purple flesh underneath.
With a mildly sweet and slightly nutty flavor, people use purple sweet potatoes as a tasty and healthy accompaniment to many meals, often in place of regular potatoes. Cooks roast them with butter and sugar to enhance their sweetness or bake and serve them with any number of toppings. Some people prefer to boil potatoes and mash them for a colorful side dish that is sure to please. A variety of interesting recipes for these tasty tubers can be easily found on the Internet.
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