A medium sweet potato baked in its skin is only 103 calories, has 4 grams of dietary fiber, and is packed with calcium, potassium, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
So, what do Covington, O'Henry and Japanese have in common? They're the most popular varieties of sweet potatoes in the USA. According to the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission and Oldways, there are three popular sweet potato varieties found in grocery stores nationwide. Depending on flavor and texture, certain sweet potato varieties lend themselves better to certain recipes.
Covington
- A favorite for mashing or roasting, the Covington has rose colored skin and super sweet orange flesh. Eat it whole with your favorite toppings or cut into wedges and bake as a side dish.
- The O’Henry has a pale copper skin, almost like a potato, but don’t be fooled. This tater’s white flesh is sweet, creamy and ideal for soups and stews.
- Japanese sweet potatoes have red skin and dry, white flesh. Roast these up with a few of your favorite root veggies for a colorful side dish.
My favorite sweet potato recipe is the Mashed Sweet Potatoes on page 56 of Flavorful Fortified Food. What's yours? To receive a copy of my Mashed Sweet Potatoes go to our website and complete the contact form before November 30th.