Like the black sheep of the family, sweet potatoes have always been a bit of a love-them-or-leave-them food. Some people can’t imagine Thanksgiving without them, while others are perfectly happy to pass the casserole right along. But lately, sweet potatoes seem to be getting a little more attention, and not just during the holidays.
Once thought of mostly as a Thanksgiving side dish, sweet potatoes have found their way into everyday meals, snacks, breakfast dishes, and even desserts. From sweet potato fries to loaded baked sweet potatoes, they’re proving to be a pretty versatile ingredient.
And with Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s a good time to give this humble root vegetable its moment in the spotlight.
A Little Sweet Potato Trivia
First, did you know that sweet potatoes aren’t actually potatoes? They’re members of the morning glory family. Sweet potatoes vs. yams – Yams are an entirely different vegetable.
Sweet potatoes come in several colors, including orange, white, yellow, and purple. The color isn’t just for looks. Different varieties contain different natural plant compounds.
- Orange sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.
- Purple sweet potatoes contain anthocyanins, the same type of natural pigments found in blueberries.
- White and yellow varieties have their own flavor profiles and nutritional characteristics.
Regardless of color, sweet potatoes are a source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6. Not a bad resume for a vegetable that sometimes gets overlooked!
And here’s an interesting statistic: According to USDA food availability data, the estimated supply of sweet potatoes available to Americans averaged 7.2 pounds per person annually in 2017–2019, compared with just 3.9 pounds in 1997–1999.
Now, that doesn’t mean everyone was eating seven pounds of sweet potatoes a year. The USDA calculates how much is entering the food supply and divides it by the population. It’s a way to track food trends, and the numbers suggest that sweet potatoes have become a lot more popular over the years.
Apparently, we’re finding more ways to enjoy them than just once a year at Thanksgiving!
So, Are Sweet Potatoes Really That Good for You?
Yes! Sweet potatoes have a lot going for them nutritionally. They’re a good source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6. Orange varieties are especially rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, supporting vision and immune function.
But their appeal goes beyond nutrition. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and surprisingly versatile. You can roast them with garlic and herbs, turn them into breakfast hash, load them up with chicken or black beans, make crispy fries, or even use them in muffins and brownies.
Of course, Thanksgiving takes that versatility to a whole new level. Add butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and maybe a handful of marshmallows, and suddenly that nutritious vegetable is competing with the dessert table!
Now, Let’s Talk Thanksgiving!
This is where sweet potatoes really get people talking. Everyone seems to have an opinion, and some families take their recipes pretty seriously!
Let’s settle a few debates:
- Team Marshmallow or Team Pecan? What belongs on top of your sweet potato casserole?
- Sweet or Savory? Brown sugar and cinnamon or garlic and herbs?
- Casserole or Roasted? How do you like your sweet potatoes served?
- Side Dish or Dessert? Seriously, where do you draw the line?
- Love Them or Leave Them? Are sweet potatoes a Thanksgiving must-have, or could you happily skip them?
What’s your family’s tradition? Do you have a favorite recipe, a secret ingredient, or a way of preparing sweet potatoes that everyone should try?
Share it with us. We’re always up for discovering a new way to enjoy an old favorite!
And remember, whether you dress them up with marshmallows or keep them simple with a little seasoning, there’s room for sweet potatoes at the Thanksgiving table and on the everyday menu!