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Extension for Real Life Blog

From the Field: Sweet Potatoes Take the Spotlight

A bin of sweet potatoes sitting in a field harvested from Edmonson Farm in Vardaman, MS
A bin of sweet potatoes sitting in a field harvested from Edmonson Farm in Vardaman, MS
Sweet potatoes harvested from Edmonson Farm in 2010. Photo credit: Scott Corey
Sweet potatoes have been gaining in popularity over the last several decades. No longer are they reserved just for the holiday table, but you can enjoy them year-round as side dishes, desserts, soups and more. Even fast food restaurants have started including sweet potatoes in their menus!
 
And for good reason. Not only are sweet potatoes tasty, but they are good for you! 
 
Sweet potatoes contain:
Vitamins A & C
Potassium
Beta-carotene
Calcium 
Deliciousness
 
Just take a look at this Food Factor video for ideas on how to eat them! 
 

 
This time of year, we always love seeing the sweet potato harvest posts on social media. (@stephenlmeyers is a great Twitter follow if you’re interested in taters!)
 

 
Fun fact: Did you know Vardaman, MS is known as the Sweet Potato Capital of the World? The town hosts the Sweet Potato Festival during the first weekend of November each year. If you love festivals or sweet potatoes, this event has to be on your bucket list. 
 

Authors

Mississippi State University Extension 130 Bost Drive Mississippi State MS 39762