Sweet Potato

The Sweet Potato: From Soil to Supper Plate

When you take the first bite of a delicious helping of sweet potatoes at the dinner table, you may never think about all the work and science that went into getting those nutrient-packed tubers from soil to supper plate. But the life of a sweet potato starts long before it reaches your hands. Throughout its life, the sweet potato is exposed to a variety of environmental stresses, from insect pests and disease pressures, to the specific needs for soil amendments and nutrient availability, to the harvesting and curing processes required for successful storage. Exploring the science behind this amazing vegetable will help us better understand how it grows, how to ensure its highest nutritional value, and even how sweet potatoes can be used to feed the world’s growing population!

The sweet potato, botanically known as Ipomoea batatas, is a member of the Convolvulaceae family, commonly known as the morning glory family. It is a vegetable that is native to South America, although it was introduced to the Old World in the 1700s. Sweet potatoes have a wide range of varieties, from smooth, white skinned potatoes to dark, red-fleshed sweet potatoes, varying in shape and size. While some varieties are eaten in their entirety, others are sliced and served in stir-fry, baked with some butter and cinnamon, or boiled and served as mash. The sweet potato is one of the most versatile vegetables, and a great source of vitamins A, C, and B-complex, as well as minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

To start the life of a sweet potato, you let your eyes wander deep into the soil. At this stage, the sweet potato is still only a sprouting seed and will become a full, mature sweet potato in the following months. The growth of the sweet potato is dependent on many environmental factors and begins at the time of planting. The sweet potato typically thrives in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, although it can survive warmer temperatures as well.

The soil, which provides essential nutrients and water to the crop, is an important factor for success. Sweet potatoes require well-drained, sandy loams with a low pH, typically 6 or 7, for optimal growth. Additionally, sweet potatoes require a certain amount of fertilizer for healthy plant growth. Generally, the fertilizer should provide a balanced supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the developing crop. Nitrogen helps with vegetative growth while phosphorus aids in root development and potassium supports tuber formation and ripening.

A common stress that is often experienced by sweet potatoes is the presence of pests, such as aphids, caterpillars, and bugs, which can feed on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plants. To minimize attacks, sweet potato farmers can make use of integrated pest management systems, which combine the use of beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, with cultural practices such as crop rotation, judicious use of pesticides, and early detection of disease.

As the sweet potatoes mature, they begin to develop an array of shapes and sizes. Different varieties will possess different days to maturity, ranging from 70-115 days. To ensure maximum yields and quality, sweet potatoes must be harvested at the appropriate time. The best time for harvest is when the leaves have begun to yellow and die back, and the roots are turning a reddish-orange color. The potatoes should be carefully handled when harvested; too much bruising can lead to spoilage.

Once the sweet potatoes have been harvested, they must be cured in a warm environment in order to harden their skins and allow them to store for long periods of time. During the curing process, sweet potatoes can be exposed to temperatures between 80-85?, with high humidity. This process usually takes between 5-7 days and helps keep the tubers fresh during storage.

Once the sweet potatoes have been properly cured, they can then be stored in a cool, dry area. Generally, sweet potatoes can stay fresh for up to three months when stored at just above freezing temperatures. After that, the sweet potatoes can then go to be processed and prepared for consumption.

When finally presented on a plate, the sweet potato can range in various dishes. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, steaming, boiling, frying, grilling, or roasting. The versatility of the sweet potato means that potential recipes are endless. From mashed sweet potato casserole to honey-glazed sweet potatoes to sweet potato fries, the sweet potato is a great addition to any meal.

The sweet potato is one of the most important vegetables in the world, providing essential nutrition and sustenance to billions of people around the globe. With its unique flavor, the sweet potato can be used in a range of cuisines, appealing to people of all cultures and dietary preferences. The science behind the sweet potato is key in understanding how to adequately grow and store this nutrient-packed tuber. Understanding how the sweet potato is grown, stored, and prepared helps us fully appreciate the complex journey this vegetable takes to finally reach your wonderful supper plate!