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February 16, 2012
It's Sweet Potato Month
February marks National Sweet Potato Month; here are ideas to help you enjoy this super spud.
· For the best flavor, choose sweet potatoes that are firm and do not have any cracks, bruises or soft spots.
· Sweet potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark and well-ventilated place.
· Avoid refrigerating sweet potatoes, as the cold temperature negatively alters their flavor.
Beta-carotene gives the sweet potato its deep orange color. One medium potato also provides us with over 200 percent of our daily value of vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a key role in the health of our eyes, skin, skeletal and soft tissue, and even our teeth.
Anthocyanin lends the purple sweet potato its unusual violet hue. Purple sweet potatoes contain antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties similar to red wine.
The high fiber content of sweet potatoes slows the release of sugar into the bloodstream, helping to keep blood sugar steady.
1.) Wash and peel sweet potatoes; cut into long ¾-inch-wide strips; toss with olive oil and cayenne pepper. Bake at 425 degrees F for 25 minutes for crispy sweet potato fries with a kick! The fat content of the oil will help with absorption of the beta-carotene in the sweet potatoes.
2.) Purée cooked sweet potatoes with bananas, maple syrup and cinnamon. Top with chopped walnuts. The healthy fat in walnuts also helps with beta-carotene absorption.
3.) Sweet potato pancakes - Ingredients: 2 large eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, 2 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 cup store-bought pancake mix, 1 small pinch ground nutmeg, 1 small sweet potato, boiled, peeled and mashed; Instructions: Cook batter according to pancake mix directions.
4.) Make your own baby food by puréeing cooked sweet potato, adding water for correct consistency.
5.) Grill them. Wash, leave peel on and cut into wedges. Marinate with bottled low-sodium teriyaki sauce and grill until tender.
Posted by Lisa at February 16, 2012 6:45 AM
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