Sweet Potato

Sweet Potato
Sweet potato, Ipomea batatas, is a root crop that is easily grown,
matures quickly, does not require much space, and tastes good. Besides all
of this, the leaves are also a very nutritious green vegetable. It is an
important food for security in the Pacific Islands, since both the edible tuber
and other planting materials commonly survive hurricanes or cyclones.
Planting material is made from cuttings of the vine. Cuttings from the
vine tips are best. The middle or base of the vine can be used, but they often
produce less. Cuttings should be 12 to 16 inches long. A tuber can also be
sprouted, cut and planted.
Select a sunny location. After planting in a hole 6-12 inches deep,
make a mound of soil around the cutting or piece of tuber. The vines will
grow up to 18 feet long and root along the length. Tubers are formed
wherever the roots grow. The main planting spot will be ready for harvest in
3 to 5 months, but the secondary root locations will take longer.
The harvested tubers can be stored for a long time if they are treated
properly. They should be washed and left to dry in the sun for a few days,
then stored in a cool, dark and dry place. Use any cut or bruised tubers for
food or replanting as soon as possible.
Estimated Nutritional Values
Amount/Serving % DV* Amount/Serving % DV*
Calories 344 kcal 17 % Carbohydrate 80 Gm 27 %
Total Fat 1 Gm 2 % Iron 1.8 Mg 10 %
Saturated Fat 10 Gm 50 % Calcium 69 Mg 7 %
Cholesterol 0 Mg 0 % Vitamin A 27960 IU 559 %
Sodium 43 Gm 2 % Vitamin C 56.1 Mg 94 %
Protein 5 Gm 10 %
*Percent daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Nutritional Values are based on 1 cup cooked YELLOW sweet potato
Milk: 0 Veg: 0 Fruit: 0 Bread: 2 Meat: 0