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Sweet Potatoes: A Super Southern Staple

By Karen Alexander / Photography By Amy Robb | Last Updated October 07, 2018

Sweet potatoes are delicious and easy to grow in a garden at home.

Part of the morning glory family of plants, sweet potatoes are a nutritious root vegetable that can be used in a wide range of dishes besides the familiar Thanksgiving side dish. Plus, the greens are also edible, either raw or cooked.

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Sweet potatoes are considered a superfood thanks to their great health benefits. They are fat-free, low sodium, high in fiber and packed with vitamins A, B, and C, potassium, manganese and copper. Eating sweet potatoes can help improve your eye health, support a healthy immune system, enhance muscle strength and even reduce anxiety and stress levels. Sweet potatoes are richer in complex carbohydrates than most root vegetables, and the skin of this root vegetable has three times the amount of nutrients compared to the flesh. Try them in place of a baked potato, as a tasty swap for French fries, or as a filling for wonton ravioli. Get to know this super root vegetable with these recipes.

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