This article provides an overview of sweet potato, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make for great sweet potato substitutes.
What is Sweet Potato?
Sweet potato is a plant that belongs to the bindweed or morning glory family. Its large, starchy roots are used as a vegetable and the young shoots and leaves are sometimes eaten as greens.
Surprisingly, sweet potato is only distantly related to the common potato.
What does Sweet Potato taste like?
Sweet potato has a starchy flavor and as the name suggests, has a sweet flavor, although it is mild. Sweet potato can taste different, depending on how it is cooked.
When fried or roasted at high heat, the exterior skin can become crisp and caramelized, which often makes it taste sweeter.
Is Sweet Potato readily available in Supermarkets?
Sweet potatoes should be readily available in supermarkets and fruit and vegetable markets. It will usually be found next to other root vegetables and potatoes.
What are some alternative names for Sweet Potatoes?
Although the darker sweet potatoes are commonly referred to as yams in North America, it is in fact not a true yam, it is a different thing!
What is a good substitute for Sweet Potato in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for sweet potatoes. These include:
- A good substitute for sweet potato would of course be regular potatoes
- You can also easily substitute for:
- Squash
- Jewel potatoes
- Pumpkin
- Parsnip
- Golden beets
- Celery Root
- Gamet potatoes