Behold Alabama’s official state vegetable: the humble sweet potato.
It’s a good choice. With plenty of sandy loam soil throughout Alabama, sweet potatoes thrive here. In fact, we’re ranked sixth in the nation for producing this versatile and nutritious crop, which can be used for everything from delicious meals to animal feed. And it’s profitable, bring in around $9 million annually to the state budget.
Putting sweet potatoes on the map
George Washington Carver, a scientist at the Tuskegee Institute, was an early proponent, declaring Macon County in particular one of the premier areas in the nation for growing sweet potatoes. They’re often confused with the larger, starchier yam, but the two root vegetables aren’t botanically related. Sweet potatoes come in many bright colors, including yellow, orange, red, white and purple.
Ranked #1 in nutrition
Sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest foods you can eat, and have more nutrients than any other, even spinach and broccoli. They’re exceptionally low in fat but rich in fiber, iron, potassium, vitamin C and antioxidants. They’re also high in beta-carotenes that the body converts to vitamin A, which can help reduce the risk of certain cancers. And they’re a great choice for those with diabetes because of their low glycemic index.
Any time is a good time for sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes reach their prime in September, but they’re a great healthy choice year-round. Here are some creative ways to enjoy them:
- Roast them with a drizzle of olive oil and your favorite herbs
- Mash them with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a sweet side dish
- Add them to soups and stews for extra flavor and nutrition
What are you waiting for? Make a trip to your local farmers’ market or grocery store soon, where you can explore a bounty of fresh sweet potatoes bursting with nutrients and rich flavor. In the meantime, put a little healthy twang in your next dinnertime with Chef Rob Varner’s BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes.