Difference between potatoes and sweet potatoes

In the world of root vegetables, potatoes and sweet potatoes are essential staples. Let's delve into their history and characteristics.

Potato origins

The humble potato was the first cultivated vegetable in what is now southern Peru and the extreme northwestern Bolivia, dating back to a period between 8000 and 5000 BC. Archaeological evidence confirms the presence of potato tubers dating as far back as 2500 BC at a coastal site in central Peru. Potatoes were introduced into Europe sometime before the end of the 16th century in two separate waves: the first arrived in Spain around 1570, and the second came via the British Isles between 1588 and 1593. In France, by the close of the 16th century, the potato had made its way to Franche-Comté, the Vosges of Lorraine, and Alsace. By the end of the 17th century, the potato had become a prominent crop in Ireland, and by the close of the 18th century, it had gained significance throughout continental Europe. The potato's popularity continued to expand during the initial four decades of the 19th century.

Sweet potato origins

The earliest records of sweet potato cultivation can be traced back to 750 BC in Peru, although archaeological findings suggest that it might have started as early as 2500-1850 BC. When Christopher Columbus reached the New World in the late 15th century, sweet potatoes were already a well-established food source in South and Central America. Upon Columbus's return to Spain, he introduced sweet potatoes to Europe, where they were initially referred to as ‘potatoes’, leading to confusion with the white potato. It wasn't until after the 1740s that American colonists began to use the term ‘sweet potato’ to distinguish it from the white Irish potato. In 1597, England's John Gerard wrote about sweet potatoes in his book Herball or Generall Historie of Plantes, describing how they were prepared and touting their purported benefits, including an aphrodisiac quality. In the 17th century, potatoes became a prominent crop in Ireland, and by the close of the 18th century, they were grown throughout continental Europe. The potato's popularity continued to expand during the 19th century.

Nutritional values

A serving of 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of each type of potato contains the following nutritional values:
125 calories in a white potato versus 108 calories in a sweet potato.
1.9g of protein in a white potato versus 1.3g of protein in a sweet potato.
4.2g of fat in both.
20.4g carbs in a white potato versus 16.8g carbs in a sweet potato.
1.4g of fibre in a white potato versus 2.4g in a sweet potato.
1.6g of sugar in a white potato versus 5.5g of sugar in a sweet potato.
372mg potassium in a white potato versus 219mg in a sweet potato.
12.1mg of vitamin C in both.

Which is healthier?

Potatoes and sweet potatoes are both regarded as wholesome and nutritious foods. However, sweet potatoes have a slight advantage. The primary reason lies in their higher beta-carotene and vitamin A content. The vibrant orange hue of sweet potatoes can be attributed to the presence of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that shields our body's cells from harm and diseases. Our bodies efficiently convert beta-carotene into vitamin A, making sweet potatoes a slightly better choice.

How to cook them

Mastering the art of cooking potatoes is a cherished skill. Whether you opt for the modern convenience of air-frying, the classic simplicity of baked potatoes, a belly-warming potato casserole, or the elegant precision of Hasselback slicing, potatoes can be transformed into a multitude of fantastic dishes. Take your pick among these potato salad recipes or, for a touch of indulgence, these creamy gratinéed potatoes. Boiling them to perfection is a fundamental technique for countless recipes. Mashing potatoes allows you to create the smoothest of side dishes while oven-roasting imparts a crispy, golden exterior. Regardless of the method chosen, potatoes remain a versatile canvas for culinary creativity.

Sweet potatoes offer a versatile range of cooking methods. You can bake, roast, fry, steam, or boil them, and they mash and purée beautifully. When mashed, they serve as a valuable vegetarian filling for dishes like quesadillas and falafel. They can be part of an outstanding salad, and their natural sweetness makes them a splendid addition to baking recipes such as carrot cake or brownies. In the US, it's customary to enhance their sweetness further by roasting them with maple syrup or using them in pie recipes, akin to pumpkin, for the Thanksgiving holiday table.

Storage

Unwashed potatoes can be preserved for weeks or even months in a cool, humid and dark environment. Store them in a paper bag or cardboard container rather than a plastic bag. Avoid refrigeration, as it may elevate acrylamide levels in the potatoes.

Unblemished and firm raw sweet potatoes can be stored in a cool, well-ventilated, dark areas, away from any heat sources, for approximately two weeks. Place them in a bowl on the countertop if you plan to use them within a day or two. Sweet potatoes can last up to three months when stored in the fridge.