Sweet potato or yam

The sweet potato is a plant whose root is the edible bulbous. It is also known as sweet potato belongs to the group of tubers and is very similar to the potato. Although the main difference, apart from the appearance (skin is thicker and is more elongated form) is its sweet taste.

The sweet potato is native to tropical America and in Latin America is a key element in the kitchen. With the multitude of sweet potato recipes are prepared and eaten alone or as a side dish, fried and salted. It is also an ingredient in stews, purees, desserts, cakes, pies, jams, etc..

In Spain is part of some recipes of traditional cuisine, as the Canarian stew or potato cakes in Valencia during the Christmas season. But mostly associate the sweet potato to the feast of the Chestnut. Consume is when roasted in the oven, along with the usual chestnuts.

Of course, the potato can be added to cooked like a potato, and as such can also fry, adding a twist to the recipe that we develop. And you can use the potato as a garnish for meat or poultry dishes, pureed, fried or roasted.

As advice when buying, you have to keep in mind that your skin is smooth and unmarked and have to be firm, you do not bend easily. Once home, should be stored in a place away from the light, fresh and stack them on top of each other.

Nutritional properties of potato
As nutritional properties of potato, highlighting its high water content (70%) and its high starch content and potassium. Like vitamins, highlight the E, B1, C and A (the more yellow is the root, the more vitamin A, beta carotene, contains).

It is precisely the starch (complex carbohydrates) and sugars (sucrose, fructose and glucose) which gives it the distinctive and delicious sweet taste. Plus it makes it a very suitable food for people who have to make a big physical effort. It is also rich in fiber and antioxidants and consumption of potatoes is recommended to protect the immune system, prevent defense cuts, skin care, hair and nails and relieve digestive problems.