After harvest, the starch turns into sugar and becomes sweeter. Instead, like other sweet potatoes, they are a part of the morning glory family. ~Valentina. Like other potatoes, these purple tubers can be steamed, sauted, roasted, baked and mashed. Crispy Baked Purple Sweet Potato Fries. 2 tablespoons Hawaiian honey. It has a rich creamy taste that is very unlike regular potatoes. Your email address will not be published. These mashed purple sweet potatoes are stunning, and they're rich, creamy and delicious! After only a few bites he said, "These are the best sweet potatoes I ever had." To finish signing up, please click the confirmation link in the email. Greetings! The only caveat is that we prefer to cook with clear glass rather than caution. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. The directions are clearly visible. As I rarely use any form of cream shall 'play around' with coconut milk or other alike products probably but am looking forwards to the experience . Sweet potatoes are a very old food in Hawaii, thought to have been transported to the islands by the earliest Polynesian settlers. ~Valentina. Tag me at. 3 Rooted Okinawa Purple Sweet Potato Plants In A Cup Okinawa Sweet Summer in Japan usually feels hot and humid. Eat Local Spotlight: Okinawan Sweet Potato | Foodland Sweet potatoes have antibacterial and antifungal properties, and some studies have found that they improve blood sugar regulation. Sweet potatoes are occasionally labeled as nightshades on food labels, but they are not. Sweet potatoes from the Philippines are firm and have a sweeter flavor than sweet potatoes from the Philippines. You might find some sweet potatoes that have sticky liquid coming out of the cut end. Hawaii's most popular manju maker is Home Maid Bakery. Add sugar, butter . The skin of this potato is a light brown color. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. I use seasonal whole foods to create unique and comforting recipes for casual entertaining. You may have tried them as tempura, where they are lightly coated with batter and deep-fried into perfection. They have a mildly sweet flavor, and a very dry, starchy texture. Peel potatoes and slice into fries. Despite the fact that it takes at least 45 minutes to cook, the flavor and seasoning are worth the effort. Adding Sweetness And Flavor To Sweet Potatoes With Syrup And Sugar, Vitamin B6 In Sweet Potatoes: Benefits And How To Incorporate Them Into Your Diet. Thanks so much, Karen. These purple sweet potatoes have plenty of other nutritional benefits too. A staple food of this diet? Purple Sweet Potato in Lau LauPurple sweet potato is a popular ingredient in lau lau, a savory Hawaiian dish made of pork, butterfish, and vegetables (including cubes of purple sweet potato) wrapped in luau leaves and ti leaves. Sweet potatoes were introduced to the Ryukyu Islands by traders from China and Southeast Asia. Flip once or twice to brown evenly. The Okinawan sweet potatoes have a beige colored skin but a violet-purple flesh. Not only are these beautiful and incredibly delicious -- they're also full of nutrients. Hang with me, this part may get confusing. Stokes Purple sweet potatoes are available for the majority of the year late August through late spring. Take the crust from the fridge and spread the sweet potato filling into the pie crust. What Is Carpaccio and How Do You Make It? Try making these mashed purple sweet potatoes that are made with just four ingredients. From roasting, steaming, simmering, and deep-frying to baking, there are endless ways to enjoy Japanese sweet potatoes. You don't find a lot of white or beige food in nature. Its concentrated sweetness makes them an ideal ingredient for making desserts. Add enough water to just cover everything in the pot. The Okinawa sweet potatoes are not related to regular potatoes, which are a part of the nightshade family. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for a family, these easy dinners are sure to leave everyone satisfied and stress-free. Let the potato cool for a few minutes before eating. Sweet potatoes grown in Japan differ from those grown in the Republic of Ryukyu (also known as purple sweet potatoes). Potatoes can be purple! Fill a medium-sized stock pot with cold water. Everything should mix together very well as long as you make sure you these steps quickly. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop this recipe:"; We just sent you an email to confirm your subscription. Get easy-to-follow, delicious recipes delivered right to your inbox. Directions for oven baked fries. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Experience a fantastic fusion of Japanese and Western-style desserts with ichigo daifuku (strawberry daifuku). Hope you enjoy! Remove from heat and stir in lime juice. Wouldnt you rather have 2x that amount of potatoes and have the same amount of calories as the cheeseburger? They look like normal sweet potatoes on the outside, but the interior is magenta to purple, and the color deepens with cooking. Sea salt should be used in this recipe, preferably Hawaiian sea salt if you can find it, but you can use kosher salt. They can also be used to make sweets, confectionaries, mixed rice (takikomi gohan), or added to soups, stews, or curries. During the Japanese New Year, the sweet potatoes are boiled and mashed before they are mixed with syrup chestnuts to make a special dish called Kurikinton, which symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Microwaved Regardless, you'll still have a delicious vegetarian and vegan side dish that also happens to be gluten free. lovekitchentoday.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Fluff up the insides and eat with a fork. I'll be on the lookout for these! I am a professional Minnesota blogger. I just love their beautiful color. The Okinawan sweet potato is a type of purple sweet potato that is native to the Ryukyu Islands, which are part of Okinawa Prefecture in southern Japan. After the water boils, let the mixture simmer on low, uncovered for 15 minutes. Purple skin sweet potatoes, in addition to being high in vitamins and nutrients, may be beneficial to you because of the specific vitamins and nutrients they contain. Wash sweet potatoes with a brush. They are high in minerals such as copper and dietary fiber, as well as vitamins A, C, and manganese. Peel and quarter the potatoes. As an Amazon Associate Onolicious Hawaii earn from qualifying purchases. They are sweet for sure! It is definitely something you need to try if you have never had it before. Okinawan sweet potatoes have a milder flavor than traditional garnet sweet potatoes Satsuma-imo sweet potatoes have reddish skin with white centers. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, sweet potatoes are the most nutritionally beneficial vegetable. Mike Sizemore was awarded a prize for producing a different type of potato at the 2003 state fair. Purple sweet potatoes can be used in many of the same ways as orange and white potatoes, you'll just have to increase the cooking time to make up for their dense, dry flesh. Just steam the potato with the skin on for 30 minutes (until you can easily poke through the flesh with a fork). Steamed Vegetables with Miso Sesame Sauce, Kuri Kinton (Candied Chestnuts with Sweet Potatoes). The purple sweet potatoes naturally stain the tapioca a brilliant shade of purple. Hi Kathrynne, Thanks so much for writing in. We live in Honolulu and my wife grows Okinawan sweet potatoes in her garden. 1 Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Purple Sweet Potato Tapioca - Onolicious Hawaii Sweet potatoes are a very old food in Hawaii, thought to have been transported to the islands by the earliest Polynesian settlers. I was able to get samples of each type and tested them with this recipe. Sweet potatoes are almost always the same color as a regular potato. Okinawa sweet potatoes beautiful, deep purple color is caused by the antioxydant anthocyanin, the same antioxidant found in blueberries, fruit often praised for its high levels of antioxidants. Put the potatoes in a pot and add just enough water to cover the potatoes. People ask what my favorite dessert is and I always say Okinawan sweet potatoes I always get a blank response! Drizzle lime butter over potatoes and sprinkle with salt. Do sweet potatoes taste different in Japan than in the rest of the world? We have brand-new word games that you can play. So good. Pluck off the lower leaves of the slip, leaving an umbrella of leaves on top. I would LOVE to know. There are two families of sweet potatoes that grow in Hawaii: (Original) Hawaiian Sweet PotatoThis specific variety is currently being revived in Hawaii. Place an Okinawan sweet potato on a plate. We have an old water well in the country, and these Okinawan sweet potatoes are like vines climbing all over that well. Because of its vibrant purple color and numerous health benefits, this sweet potato is a popular ingredient in many Hawaii dishes. The skin of the Okinawan sweet potato is a creamy beige, but inside they are vibrantly purple. It is actually a very amazing sight which is not only very aesthetically beautiful, but also very delicious. My aunt said she dumped some of this crop there a long time ago and it just started growing and propagating from there, said she never really had the heart to dig them out, though. With all these nutritional benefits, Okinawan sweet potatoes are a great food to include in your meals. Place potato on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 5 minutes, turning halfway through. RoastRub the outside skin with a bit of olive oil and salt, then roast in the oven for 45 minutes. by Ali Kirby | Nov 16, 2022 | Cooking Tips. You can eat it as is or you can add a dash of salt and a coating of butter. Once they are done, you can season them with salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices as desired. Enjoy new Japanese sweets, snacks and tea every month starting from $32.50USD, Your email address will not be published. Most of the images displayed are of unknown origin. The typical size is 250-350 g (9-10 oz). But purple sweet potatoes are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Use within a few days for optimum quality. While potatoes are boiling, grate zest from limes and set aside; then squeeze juice from limes and set aside. Avoid those that have wrinkled skins.22 Sep 2016. Purple Sweet Potatoes Nutrition and Benefits, How to Cook and Eat Purple Sweet Potatoes. Arrange on a platter, cover with foil, and put in a 200 oven to keep warm. Molokai sweet potatoes are available in late spring and early summer, but you'll be hard-pressed to find them if you don't live in Hawaii. Did You Know? Most of the carbohydrates in the Okinawa diet come from vegetables, with a smaller amount from fruits, grains, or seeds. Credit: I find it wonderful if a blog visit leads to research and a learning experience. The first planting of the Okinawan sweet potato variety took place in Japan in the 1600s, when it was discovered that it originated in South America. I wish I'd rather have potatoes than cake. Remove from Instant Pot and serve. If you use oil, you may be consuming twice the amount of calories you use otherwise. These purple sweet potatoes are prized for their high level of antioxidants, and are said to have 150 percent more antioxidants than blueberries. Your email address will not be published. Hi, I'm Valentina, certified chef, owner, recipe developer and photographer at Cooking on the Weekends. ~Valentina. Sweet potatoes are commonly found throughout Japan, despite the fact that most people are familiar with Kawagoe as the birthplace of these delicious warm potatoes. You are, however, welcome to try one that is almost reddish violet in color if you come across one that is nearly dark skinned. In this blog, Ill present my cooking tips, recipes and ideas. Produce Managers: 800-468-7111. Despite the fact that boiling sweet potatoes removes nutrients, according to physician and author Michael Greger of NutritionFacts.org, boiling sweet potatoes actually lowers their glycemic index, which means you get less insulin spike after eating them. In the present day, Okinawans typically bake or fry sweet potatoes as a side dish or snack. 136 calories; calories from fat 29%; protein 2.6g; fat 4.3g; saturated fat 2.6g; carbohydrates 23g; fiber 2.1g; sodium 50mg; cholesterol 11mg. They flavor of an Okinawan sweet potato (Hawaiian Sweet Potato) is mildly sweet with notes of honey. It comes as a result of an antioxidant called anthocyanin, the same antioxidant responsible for the color of red cabbage, red wine, and purple cauliflower. We've had a wet spring and early summer this year, however. Okinawan sweet potatoes are also delicious when gently roasted in the oven. They could certainly make for a unique dessert. ~Valentina. I'm going to ask my contact at Melissa's Produce and get back to you with his response. You are probably thinking that this is a useless recipe but I will be teaching you how to make it with a twist that can your buttered and boiled Okinawan sweet potato very delicious, and a good substitute for dinner! Purple is my favorite color, so I need to find these! Stir in zest and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Thanks! 99% of the time when people mention "Hawaiian Sweet Potato," they're actually referring to "Okinawan Sweet Potato" (more on that below) and not the "original" Hawaiian Sweet Potato described above. Purple sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, but they are also high in pigments called anthocyanins, which act as antioxidants and help to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. Add evaporated milk, vanilla and salt. I love it! So comforting that we simply enjoy it as a snack. My favorite thing about these sweet potatoes is that they keep their color when they are cooked. Dump into a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. With distinct purple-ish or reddish color skin, inside the sweet potatoes are creamy white flesh that turns yellow after cooking. Japanese Sweet Potato (Satsumaimo) Just One Cookbook It is a tuberous root vegetable with a cylindrical shape. The origins of this variety are unknown, but it is most commonly associated with Japanese cuisine. Okinawan Sweet Potato Curry | TASTE I'll be writing about everything I ate on the trip soon. Sweet potato soup, served during winter, consists of boiling sweet potato in water with rock sugar and ginger. We don't see the "original" Hawaiian Sweet Potato often in Hawaii, though hopefully that will change in the future. The . Wash, pat dry, and pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork after thoroughly washing them. I made the recipe as is and served pork cutlets and vegetables with them. Boil potatoes for 30 minutes or until soft (will turn dark purple), then drain. Meanwhile, Okinawan sweet potatoes are the only starch of the bunch that are actually technically sweet potatoes. Okinawan Sweet Potato Where To Buy? - Foodie Fitness Sometime during the 1600s, the potatoes made their way to Okinawa, the southern island of Japan. They're nutritious and high in fiber and antioxidants (even more antioxidants than blueberries). Famous for its vibrant purple color and numerous health benefits, this sweet potato is featured in many Hawaii dishes! Sweet potatoes from Japan are typically found in supermarkets. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; Just put it in a thick barbeque stick and grill in the campfire which makes awesome camping food. The Best Strawberry Daifuku Flavors from Japan! She has nearly 7 years experience writing news and lifestyle content. I adore purple sweet potatocreamy, beautiful and healthful! What Are Japanese Sweet Potatoes? Cut it open to reveal a deep purple inside. The croquette plate comes with four golden croquettes. Okinawan sweet potato mochi Hawaiian Sweet Potato Desserts and Dishes It is not a replacement or substitute for professional medical advice and/or treatment. These purple packets of goodness are nutritious, delicious and gorgeous. Check the surface and make sure they have minimal scratches or discoloration. Looks beautiful ! The primary nutritional benefit of sweet potatoes grown in southern Japan is their high antioxidant content. Purple Sweet Potato Tapiocamake at home!My mom and I often make Purple Sweet Potato Tapioca at home. Just discovered these gems at the local Asian market in Cherry Hill, NJ Cooking them on a cookie sheet or in a dish results in a drying effect. Sweet potatoes grown in the Okinawan Islands can also be grown fairly easily. Today, Hawaii boasts two popular purple sweet potato varieties: Okinawan and Molokai. MashedPeel the skin, cut the potatoes into large chunks, and boil for 30 minutes until soft. It is definitely my all-time favorite dessert and will always be my preferred Okinawan sweet potato dish. Are sweet potatoes nightshades? Okinawa sweet potatoes are denser in texture than most sweet potatoes, and have a mild, honey-like taste. Let cool, then split the tops open with a knife. 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt. There is some debate over whether or not okinawan sweet potatoes are the same as hawaiian sweet potatoes. It is possible to retain up to 92% of the nutrient by limiting the amount of time spent cooking by boiling a pot in a tightly sealed lid for 20 minutes. Wish I could have them in Japan, too! Both markets have a nice mix of prepared savory dishes, snacks, fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and fishand of course, dessert! Otherwise you can order them here. We usually get them from Chinatown, Foodland, KCC Farmers Market, or Kaka'ako Farmers Market. This one doesnt really need a lot of instructions. Here is the best Kanto food to try as you explore the area for a taste of life in Gunma! Purple potatoes! Are Japanese sweet potatoes healthier than regular sweet potatoes? Intrigued? Okinawan Sweet Potatoes: How to Plant & Grow ~Valentina. This Okinawan sweet potato was never really known in the US until the early years of 2000 when it started being available in the market. Because of its high fiber content, it is an excellent source of fiber in your digestive system. * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Once you have mixed everything very well, heat a deep pan on the stove and melt the butter. One way is to simmer them in water for about 15-20 minutes until they are cooked through. When was Japan known as the home of sweet potatoes? . Additionally, lovekitchentoday.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Are purple sweet potatoes healthy or unhealthy for you? Another popular Okinawan way of serving them is sliced and deep fried in batter, as tempura. Sweet potatoes with tan or purple skin are not as nutritious as those with red or orange skins. Most Asian markets should have them -- and I've heard the SM Farmers Market on Wednesdays has them. 1/2 cup sour cream. Even when I started going to the university, she would always make sure theres one in the house for me when I get home during semester breaks. Peru is a native American culture in which sweet potatoes were first cultivated. And cooking the greens sounds wonderful. The vibrantly beautiful and nutritious Okinawan sweet potato is loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients, and health-promoting fiber. Purple sweet potatoes are wonderful on their own, and even more amazing when turned into a dessert or savory dish!