Sweet Potatoes are not related to regular potatoes even though they both grow under the ground. This vegetable is packed with nutrition and rich in minerals. Sweet potato nutritional benefits boost the immune system, fights off cancer and protects the lungs. Their amazing source of beta carotene is considered an antioxidant, an important component for excellent health. Trying to loose weight? Sweet Potato makes a delicious alternative to potato and it keeps you regular because it's high in fiber.

Sweet Potato Nutritional Benefits

Rich in Beta-carotene (Vitamin A) and Vitamin C
Purifies the blood
Contains Selenium, Potassium and is rich in Vitamin E
Very high in fiber, low in calories

How to Grow Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes like a lot of compost added to the soil.
They need little attention while they grow.
Make sure you have enough space for them as they can spread far and wide.
Once the sweet potatoes are established in your garden, they will come up year after year.

Companion Planting with Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potato companions and enemies unknown

Tips on Harvesting and Cooking Sweet Potato

Sweet Potatoes are ready to be harvested when the vines start to turn yellow at the end of the season.
They will happily come up again in the next season.
Dig out Sweet Potatoes and allow them to lie in the sun for 3 - 4 hours. This process is called curing.
Wash them well, taking care to be gentle with the skins.
When storing them, keep them in a dry cool place, away from light.
Baked or boiled Sweet Potatoes are delicious, especially when you pick them fresh.
The young leaves are a useful form of spinach.

Recipe using a Sweet Potato:
Baked Sweet Potato Fries

3-4 sweet potatoes
Sunflower Oil
2-3 cloves Garlic, finely chopped (optional)
Small bunch fresh Parsley (2 Tbs dried Parsley)
2-3 leaves fresh Mustard OR small bunch fresh Basil (2 Tbs dried Basil)
Pinch of Cayenne Pepper
Soya sauce (optional)
Salt and pepper (optional)

Slice the sweet potatoes into ½ inch wedges or rounds.
Rub them with oil.
Spread them out on a baking tray.
Bake them at 400°F for 35-45 minutes. (depends on heat of oven)
Prepare the herbs, by chopping them finely.
When the wedges are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Take the fries out of the oven; sprinkle the herb mixture over the fries.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper (optional).
Sprinkle with Soya sauce (optional) and savor the delicious flavor.

Take advantage of the sweet potato nutritional benefits by storing the vegetable in a cool spot away from the fridge.

Author's Bio

Jeannine Davidoff is a mother, artist, writer, organic gardener, permaculture consultant, yoga teacher, freelance journalist living in Scottburgh, South Africa. My 21st century focus is on communicating knowledge and sharing my art. I have a blog that shows my collection of growing art, poetry and writings. I have a companion planting blog that describes individual plants,how they grow, their companion plants and antagonists, their herbal uses and nutiritional value.
In a series of articles, I'll explain How to Start an Organic Garden in 5 Important Steps. How to intergrate Organic Gardening with Companion Planting. What organic means and the benefits of having an organic garden companion planting.

Featured Artist Jeannine D

Venus Collection