10 Things You Need To Know About Sweet Potatoes

No longer thought of as a humble, stodgy vegetable, sweet potatoes are making their way into the most sophisticated of dishes. At thebelist, are turning to them for the taste, as well as a way to stay healthy. There are some interesting things to know about sweet potatoes besides the fact that they can make bread (pictured to the left) taste...well, just plain awesome. Make this vegetable a part of your healthy eating plan.  We list the 10 essential  facts you need to know about sweet potatoes from their unique nutritional benefits to how to cook and prepare them. And, we reveal an oil that makes your sweet potato taste pop and  a versatile fun recipe.

 Sweet Potatoes ..........

--are actually a root and have specific nutrition value because of their structure

--must be cooked before eating and freeze easily after being cooked and cooled  

--must be kept in a cool dark place and will last up to one month.

--can easily substitute for winter squash or pumpkin in soups or baked good recipes

--are a great source of Vitamin A in the form of beta carotene and Vitamin C, an anti-oxidant food source

--are not the same as a yams, and come in many varieties including Jewel, Bearegard and Garnet--some are more orangy and some have a     whitish interior

--the small and medium potatoes(sweeter and less fiberous)  cook well in the microwave in 5-7 minutes

--are plentiful and cheap and grown in America

-- skin is packed with nutrients, wonderful when baked.

--should not be purchased if the skin is wrinkled or has green patches.

Thebelist has some great recipes for this wonderful vegetable.

Here is where you can experiment and learn how sweet potatoes taste with different seasoning combinations.

Get out your sage, cumin, seasoned pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. I use a different seasoning combo per row. First, every medallion is heavily seasoned with sea salt and pepper. You can make some with a safe combo of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Then do the same combo, but use sage but go lightly.

Or use seasoned pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Try some with just seasoned pepper and sea salt. I like to play around with sweet versions so I know how to make sweet bread and muffins. I also like to determine how to make a spicy combination for potato pancakes and for mashed side dishes. Cook for 30 minutes and serve with spiced mustard or mayo.

Dipping sauces are not my thing because they add extra calories but if you have some good healthy ideas to share with us, we would love, and I mean love, if comment below!{sharethis}