Sweet Potatoes

Storage: Keep sweet potatoes in an area that is consistently between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not store sweet potatoes in the refrigerator. Store sweet potatoes in a loosely covered bag to allow for air circulation and slight humidity. If you wish to wash sweet potatoes before storing, allow sweet potatoes to dry completely before putting in a bag.

Preparation: Scrub with your fingers or a brush under running water. If the sweet potato is still firm and not shrunken and wrinkled, then simply remove any sprouts and proceed to cooking. If the sweet potato is shrunken and wrinkled then it has lost all flavor and nutritional value.

Taste: Sweet, tender, nutty, moist, earthy

Nutritional Benefits: Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes may be one of nature's unsurpassed sources of beta-carotene. Studies have shown the superior ability of sweet potatoes to raise our blood levels of vitamin A. Eat them with the skins to boost fiber intake.