Hello there, fellow readers and gardening enthusiasts! It's been a while, but we're thrilled to be back on this exciting blogging adventure. Today, we embark on a colorful journey exploring the beauty and flavors of purple sweet potatoes.
What Makes Purple Sweet Potatoes Special?
Purple sweet potatoes are a remarkable root vegetable offering both a burst of flavor and a vibrant hue. Originating in Central and South America, this nutritious vegetable found its way to Japan in the 1600s, becoming a staple in Japanese cuisine.
The distinct purple color of these sweet potatoes is attributed to anthocyanins, a natural pigment found in the soil, and other fruits like cherries and carrots. Varieties such as Charleston, Murasaki, and Okinawan showcase this deep purple hue and provide a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Purple sweet potatoes are not only visually appealing but also packed with essential nutrients. They are a rich source of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which are known for their potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Additionally, they are high in dietary fiber, making them great for digestive health.
Growing Your Own Purple Sweet Potatoes
While planting purple sweet potatoes can be a bit challenging due to their lengthy growing season and weather requirements, the effort is rewarded with the rich taste and beautiful color of the harvested tubers.
Planting Steps
Choosing the Right Spot: Ensure your sweet potatoes receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While they can tolerate partial shade, full sun will ensure the best growth and yield.
Preparing the Planting Holes: Plant sweet potatoes in mounded rows or raised beds, creating holes about five to eight inches deep and three to four inches wide. Space the holes about 12 to 24 inches apart to give the plants enough room to spread.
Planting the Slips: Bury the sweet potato slips in loose, well-drained soil with the roots facing down and the sprouted leafy part above ground. Gently pat the soil around the slips to secure them in place.
Watering: Water your mounds generously during the first week, then gradually decrease the frequency to once a week. Sweet potatoes need consistent moisture, especially during the first six weeks after planting.
Caring for Your Purple Sweet Potatoes
Purple sweet potatoes are relatively low-maintenance
Regular watering and protection from pests are key
Avoid over-fertilization as excessive nitrogen can lead to an abundance of vines instead of tubers.
Harvesting the Bounty
Harvest time usually ranges from 90 to 120 days, depending on your climate. One of the visual cues that your purple sweet potatoes are ready for harvest is the changing color of the vines. As the sweet potatoes mature, the vines will start to yellow and wither. This is a natural indication that the tubers have stopped growing and are now reaching the ideal stage for harvesting. At this point, the potatoes have absorbed all the nutrients they need for a delicious flavor and optimal texture.
Another sign of readiness is the thickness of the skin. Gently brush away some soil from the top of a tuber to check the skin. If the skin feels thick and firm, the sweet potatoes are likely mature and ready for harvesting. When you've determined that it's time to harvest, prepare your tools - a pitchfork or a digging fork and a gardening spade. Carefully insert the fork into the soil about a foot away from the plant's base. Gently push the fork into the ground and lift to bring the purple sweet potatoes to the surface and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
*Note: Be cautious during this process to avoid damaging the tubers. Purple sweet potatoes have a delicate skin that can bruise easily, impacting their quality and shelf life.
Culinary Delights with Purple Sweet Potatoes
Discover the incredible versatility of purple sweet potatoes, not only captivating to the eyes but also a culinary delight. Let's explore two delightful and easy recipes to bring vibrant purple hues to your table.
Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes
Mashed Japanese or Stokes purple sweet potatoes with savory herb butter are an easy, comforting, nutritious and stunning side dish!
Author: Gina Matsoukas
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Yields: 4 Servings
Storing: Store mashed potatoes in the fridge or freezer. For freezing, use a sealable bag and remove all air before sealing. They'll stay good for up to six months, making for a convenient and quick side dish.
Serve With: Bread or anything you’d normally serve mashed potatoes with.
PREPARE
1.5-2 pounds purple sweet potatoes (Stokes or Japanese)
2 ounces ghee/butter/plant-based butter alternative
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup minced fresh herbs (sage, thyme, chives, etc.)
1/2 cup milk or milk alternative (unsweetened and plain if plant-based)
salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into large chunks. ( It's not necessary to peel the potatoes just wash them well if you like the skins in your mashed potatoes.)
Place the sweet potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water.
Bring the pot to a boil on the stovetop, then cover and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, usually about 15-20 minutes.
While the potatoes are boiling, combine the butter or ghee in a small sauce pot over medium-low heat.
Add the garlic and herbs, letting them simmer for a few minutes until the butter is completely melted and infused with the herb flavors. Set this mixture aside.
Drain the potatoes once they are ready and place them back into the pot.
Add the milk, salt, and pepper to the potatoes and mash until creamy.
Pour the melted butter herb sauce (reserving some for serving) onto the mashed potatoes and stir to combine.
Serve the mashed sweet potatoes with the additional butter herb sauce and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
For more information about this recipe please visit: https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/mashed-purple-sweet-potatoes/
Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes
This purple sweet potato recipe uses Stokes sweet potatoes that are smashed and roasted with melted butter and herbs until super crispy!
Author: Gina Matsoukas
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Yields: 6 Servings
Serve With: These smashed purple sweet potatoes are a versatile delight, pairing wonderfully with a range of main dishes. They complement seafood like turmeric or glazed salmon superbly. Equally delightful with pretzel-crusted pork chops, piri piri chicken, or sticky Thai chicken. Swap out your regular fries and try them as a delightful accompaniment to burgers.
PREPARE
2 large Stokes purple sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons ghee (or butter), melted
1 sprig fresh rosemary, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to high broil.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Trim the ends of the sweet potatoes and cut them into 3/4" - 1" thick slices.
Gently lower the potato slices into the boiling water and cook, covered, for 15-20 minutes until they're tender but not mushy. Remove them to a paper towel and drain.
Stir the melted ghee, rosemary, and garlic together in a small bowl.
Place the potato slices onto a large baking sheet. Gently press down on each slice using the back of a fork until slightly smashed.
Spoon the ghee and herb mixture over each smashed potato slice.
Transfer the baking sheet to the oven.
Broil for 10-12 minutes until the edges and tops of the potatoes are crispy.
Season each smashed potato with salt and pepper.
Serve hot. Enjoy your delicious smashed purple sweet potatoes!
For more information about this recipe please visit: https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/roasted-purple-sweet-potatoes/
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a newbie in the garden, growing and enjoying purple sweet potatoes is a rewarding experience. Not only do they add a pop of color to your garden, but they also introduce a delicious and healthy element to your meals. So, why not embark on this purple-hued adventure and savor the delights of the purple sweet potato?
Happy gardening and happy eating!