Sweet potato (batata)

Description

Sweet potato (batat) has a smooth, thin skin in shades of cream, orange, or purple, and a sweet, creamy flesh that becomes more intensely sweet and subtly nutty in aroma when baked. It resembles a regular potato but is often more elongated and colorful, making it an attractive ingredient in dishes both in terms of flavor and presentation. Nutritionally, sweet potato provides complex carbohydrates, fiber, beta-carotene (especially in orange varieties), vitamins A and C, and potassium, as well as antioxidants that support vision, immunity, and gut health. It is versatile in the kitchen: it works well baked, in puree, soups, stews, as fries, or as an ingredient in desserts, and pairs well with spices, curry, herbs, and tangy additions. Store raw sweet potatoes in a cool, dry, dark place, away from regular potatoes; avoid refrigerating raw tubers, while baked ones can be kept in the fridge for 3–4 days.