14 Different Types of Sweet Potatoes

Looking to elevate your meals with a versatile and nutrient-rich vegetable? Look no further than sweet potatoes.

These root vegetables are not only packed with vitamins and minerals, but they also come in a variety of colors, textures, and flavors that can add diversity to your cooking.

Whether you’re making sweet potato fries, mashed sweet potatoes, or a baked dish, there’s a type of sweet potato perfect for your recipe.

Sweet potatoes are available in many varieties with unique taste and texture.

Some have orange flesh, while others are purple or white. These tubers are rich in fiber and vitamin A, making them a healthy addition to any meal.

You can find them at almost any grocery store, making them an accessible option for adding more nutrients to your diet.

Understanding how to choose and store the right type of sweet potato can make all the difference in your cooking.

Proper storage, typically outside the refrigerator, ensures they stay fresh longer.

From firm to soft varieties, sweet potatoes offer endless possibilities in the kitchen, guaranteeing you’ll find the perfect match for your favorite recipes.

1. Centennial

The Centennial sweet potato is a popular variety you might recognize.

It has an oblong shape, smooth skin, and deep orange flesh. Its sweet and moist texture makes it perfect for pies and other baked goods.

You will enjoy baking with this variety because it holds up well in the oven.

When cooked, the flesh becomes tender and flavorful. It’s often used in baking because of its sweet, moist nature.

This variety is reliable and gives you consistent results every time.

During the growing season, you’ll find Centennial sweet potatoes maturing early. They usually take around 90 days to reach maturity.

This early maturity means you can enjoy them sooner in the season.

If you like sweet, starchy potatoes, you will love this one. It’s sweet and slightly firm when cooked, making it versatile for different recipes.

Learn more about Centennial sweet potatoes if you want more details on this type.

2. Jewel

Jewel sweet potatoes are popular for their bright orange flesh and moist texture.

The skin is copper-colored, making them easy to distinguish in the grocery store. These sweet potatoes are versatile and can be used in various dishes.

When you cook Jewel sweet potatoes, they become soft and sweet. They are perfect for making sweet potato casseroles or simply roasting them.

You can also mash them for a smooth side dish. Jewel sweet potatoes are commonly grown in North Carolina.

This state has the perfect climate for producing these tasty tubers.

Here’s a quick overview of Jewel sweet potatoes:

Try including Jewel sweet potatoes in your next meal. Their natural sweetness and vibrant color will make any dish more appetizing.

3. Red Garnet

Red Garnet sweet potatoes have a distinctive reddish-purple skin that is easily recognizable. Inside, you’ll find deep orange flesh.

When cooked, Red Garnets have a firm texture that becomes tender, retaining a bit of their original starchiness. This starchy quality makes them perfect for a variety of dishes.

Cooking Tips

• Mashing: Their firm texture holds up well when mashed, giving you a creamy dish without becoming too mushy.
• Baking: These sweet potatoes are juicy when baked, making them perfect for desserts and baked goods.
• Stews and Soups: Add Red Garnets to stews for a sweet, hearty flavor.

Flavor

Red Garnet sweet potatoes are known for their sweet taste. This sweetness makes them versatile, fitting well in savory and sweet recipes.

Best Uses

• Candied Yams: The sweet flavor and firm texture make them ideal for classic candied yams.
• Biscuits: Incorporate them into biscuits for a delicious twist.
• Side Dishes: Simple roasted Red Garnet sweet potatoes make an easy and tasty side dish.

These characteristics make Red Garnet sweet potatoes a common choice in American grocery stores.

They bring a unique blend of flavor and texture to your table, making them a great addition to many meals.

For more details, you can check out this guide to sweet potato varieties.

4. Beauregard

The Beauregard sweet potato is among the most popular varieties in the Southern United States.

You can recognize it by its purplish-red skin and deep orange flesh.

This sweet potato has a sweet flavor and a slightly stringy texture. It’s juicy when cooked, making it perfect for mashing.

When used in baked goods and desserts, its natural sweetness shines.

Best Uses:

• Roasting: Beauregards develop a rich, caramelized flavor when roasted.
• Baking: Their natural moisture keeps them soft and delicious.
• Mashing: The juicy flesh is easy to mash and works well in many dishes.

Beauregard sweet potatoes stay firm even after cooking, so they’re an excellent choice for dishes that require a bit of texture.

Whether you want to make a sweet potato pie or some delicious candied yams, you’ll find Beauregard sweet potatoes versatile and tasty.

To learn more about different sweet potato varieties, check out this guide on sweet potato types.

5. Covington

Covington sweet potatoes are popular, especially in North Carolina, where they were first developed.

These sweet potatoes stand out due to their copper-rose skin and bright orange flesh.

The flesh becomes creamy and smooth when cooked, making them ideal for various dishes.

You can bake or roast Covington sweet potatoes to bring out their natural sweetness. They also work well in soups and stews.

Key Characteristics:

• Color: Copper-rose skin with orange flesh
• Texture: Creamy and smooth texture when cooked
• Flavor: Very sweet

Covington sweet potatoes have a homogenous texture perfect for creating uniform dishes.

They mature early, usually in about 90 days, and store well. These sweet potatoes are also known for their high yields, producing many uniform roots.

This makes them a favorite among home gardeners and farmers alike.

Due to these qualities, Covington sweet potatoes are a reliable option for your pantry.

For more details, visit Green Upside.

6. Hernandez

The Hernandez sweet potato stands out with its bright red skin and moist orange flesh. Its sweet taste makes it a favorite among sweet potato varieties.

This variety has a notably high sugar content, surpassing even the popular Beauregard.

You will enjoy a soft texture when cooking, which makes it perfect for many dishes.

For a delicious meal, consider roasting Hernandez sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness deepens during roasting, making them a wonderful side dish.

Slice them, toss with olive oil, and bake at 400°F for about 30 minutes.

Another great method is baking. Pierce the skin, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F for 45-60 minutes.

The result is a soft and sweet interior, perfect for mashing or eating as-is.

Hernandez offers versatility when searching for a sweet potato recipe. It fits well in casseroles, pies, or even sweet potato fries.

The smooth texture and rich flavor add a special touch to any dish.

The Hernandez sweet potato’s sweetness and soft texture make it an excellent choice for various culinary uses.

For more details about Hernandez sweet potatoes, visit Leafy Place.

7. O’Henry

O’Henry sweet potatoes have a unique tan skin that sets them apart. When you cut one open, you’ll find the cream-colored flesh inside.

This variety brings a sweet hint of honey and nuts to your dishes. They are perfect for roasting, baking, or even frying.

Their soft texture makes them great for a variety of recipes. You can try making sweet potato fries or simple mashed potatoes.

They also work well in sweet dishes like sweet potato pie or candied sweet potatoes.

Nutritional Benefits:

• High in fiber
• Rich in vitamins A and C
• Good source of potassium

These sweet potatoes need about 100 days to grow fully. Grown widely in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9, they are easy to harvest and usually provide heavy yields.

To enjoy the O’Henry sweet potato, try them in your next sweet potato recipe.

Whether roasting them for dinner, baking a pie, or making fries, their flavor and texture will surely add something special to your meal.

8. Jersey Royal

The Jersey Royal sweet potato has a tan skin with a pale flesh that can range from ivory to light yellow.

When cooked, its flesh becomes slightly sweet and starchy. You will love how firm its texture is, making it excellent for various recipes.

Here are a few ways to use Jersey sweet potatoes:

• Roasting: Cut into wedges, add olive oil and herbs, and roast until crispy.
• Mashing: Boil until tender, then mash with butter and a pinch of salt.
• Baking: Bake whole potatoes for a creamy and delicious side dish.

Quick Facts

Because of its firm texture, the Jersey sweet potato doesn’t become overly soft when cooked, allowing it to hold its shape well in dishes.

9. Japanese White (Satsuma-Imo, Kotobuki, or Oriental)

Japanese White sweet potatoes come in different varieties known for their sweet flavor, firm texture, and high nutritional value.

These types of sweet potatoes are popular in Japan and are often used in various cooking methods like steaming, boiling, and roasting.

Satsuma-Imo

Satsuma-Imo is a well-loved variety in Japan. It has dark purple skin and creamy yellow flesh.

When cooked, the color deepens, and the sweetness intensifies. This type is known for its starchy texture and distinct chestnut-like flavor.

You often see Satsuma-Imo in traditional Japanese dishes. It’s great for baking, roasting, or steaming.

This variety offers a smooth, velvety texture that is perfect for desserts.

It is also rich in fiber and vitamin C, adding to its health benefits.

Kotobuki

Kotobuki sweet potatoes also feature dark purple skin and pale yellow flesh that turns a deeper shade when cooked.

Kotobuki sweet potatoes are starchy and dense, similar to Satsuma-Imo, but they have unique flavors.

These sweet potatoes are often used in Japanese cuisine and can be prepared in several ways.

Whether you roast them into fries or steam them, Kotobuki sweet potatoes maintain their sweet and firm texture.

They are nutritious, offering a good amount of fiber and essential vitamins.

Oriental

Oriental sweet potatoes share many characteristics with the other varieties.

They have a creamy white flesh that becomes sweeter and richer in color when cooked.

The skin is also dark purple, and the flesh’s firmness makes it a versatile option for different dishes.

Oriental sweet potatoes work well in both sweet and savory recipes. You can boil them, roast them, or even make fries.

Their rich flavor pairs nicely with cinnamon or other spices. Additionally, they are a good source of fiber and vitamin C, making them a healthy choice.

Use these sweet potatoes in your favorite recipes to enjoy their unique flavors and textures.

10. Murasaki (Japanese Sweet Potatoes)

Murasaki sweet potatoes, often Japanese sweet potatoes, have a unique look and taste.

These potatoes have purple skins and creamy white flesh. While you might think they come from Japan, they were developed in Louisiana.

Appearance and Taste

• Skin: Deep purple
• Flesh: Creamy white, turning a bit yellow when cooked
• Flavor: Sweet and nutty, similar to chestnuts

Due to their unique flavor, Murasaki sweet potatoes are great for roasting and baking.

You can cut them into wedges and roast them in the oven for a tasty side dish. They also hold up well when baked whole.

Nutritional Benefits

These sweet potatoes are not just tasty but also nutritious. They are rich in vitamins like vitamins A and C and contain many antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect your body from harmful free radicals.

Baking or roasting Murasaki sweet potatoes makes their sweet flavor even more pronounced.

You can enjoy them with a simple sprinkle of salt or add them to salads and bowls for extra color and nutrition.

How to Cook?

1. Roast: Slice into wedges, toss with olive oil, and bake at 400°F for about 25 minutes.
2. Bake: Poke holes in the skin, wrap in foil, and bake at 375°F for about 45 minutes.
3. Mash: Boil until tender, then mash with butter and a pinch of salt.

Feel free to get creative with spices and herbs to enhance their natural sweetness.

Enjoy these versatile sweet potatoes in various forms, from savory dishes to sweet desserts!

11. Stokes Purple

Stokes Purple sweet potatoes are known for their vibrant purple color.

They come from North Carolina, where a farmer named Mike Sizemore began cultivating them. These sweet potatoes add a splash of color to any dish.

When you cook Stokes Purple, you have many options. You might enjoy roasting them.

Cut them into slices, toss them with olive oil, and bake at 425°F until soft.

Another method is frying. Try making purple fries by cutting them into sticks and cooking them in a pan with oil until they turn golden brown. For a healthier option, use an air fryer.

The aesthetic appeal of Stokes Purple sweet potatoes makes them a favorite for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Their striking color remains even after cooking, livening up your plate.

With their unique hue and versatile cooking options, you can enjoy them in various forms, from roasted sides to crispy fries.

12. Batata

Batata is another name for sweet potatoes in many regions, including parts of South America and Africa.

This starchy vegetable is a staple in many diets because of its versatility and nutrition.

You can find batata in various sweet potato recipes. They are great for boiling and stewing because their starchy texture holds up well in liquids.

Batata is a key ingredient in dishes across Africa and South America.

• Texture: Starchy
• Uses: Boiling, stewing
• Regions: South America, Africa

Here’s a simple stewing recipe to try:

1. Peel and chop batatas into cubes.
2. Heat oil in a pot and sauté onions.
3. Add the batatas and enough water to cover them.
4. Simmer until tender and season to taste.

This dish highlights the unique qualities of batata and makes a comforting meal.

Batatas’ natural sweetness and ability to absorb flavors make them a favorite in many kitchens.

13. Okinawa (Hawaiian Sweet Potatoes)

Okinawan sweet potatoes, also known as Hawaiian sweet potatoes, are unique and vibrant tubers.

They are purple sweet potatoes known for their rich color and distinct flavor.

These sweet potatoes feature a creamy texture and natural sweetness.

When you slice one open, you’ll see the deep purple flesh that stands out in any dish.

This color comes from anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants.

Okinawan sweet potatoes originally came from Japan and Okinawa.

Japanese and Okinawan immigrants brought them to Hawaii in the 1800s.

They have since become a popular ingredient in Hawaiian cuisine.

Nutritionally, Okinawan sweet potatoes are a great choice. They are packed with antioxidants that can help support your health.

The anthocyanins not only provide the striking color but also have health-promoting properties.

You can find Okinawan sweet potatoes in various sweet and savory dishes.

They blend well into pies, soups, and even as a simple baked side dish.

Their natural sweetness makes them a versatile ingredient.

Cooking these sweet potatoes is easy. You can bake, boil, or steam them.

No matter how you prepare them, their creamy texture and sweet flavor will shine through.

Learn more about these fascinating tubers and their history here. For tips on how to grow them, check out this guide on planting and growing Okinawan sweet potatoes.

If you’re interested in their vibrant appearance, read about the Beni Imo variety here.

14. Hannah

Hannah’s sweet potatoes have smooth, cream-colored skin and firm flesh.

When baked, the flesh turns yellow and remains fairly firm. This firm texture makes them perfect for a variety of dishes.

You can enjoy Hannah’s baked, roasted, or mashed sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness and firm texture make them a great addition to casseroles or stews.

Here’s a glance at Hannah’s sweet potatoes:

• Skin: Cream-colored and smooth
• Flesh: Cream/whitish, turns yellow when baked
• Texture: Firm and dry when cooked
• Flavor: Sweet and subtly nutty

Add Hannah sweet potatoes to your favorite recipes for a delicious and nutritious twist.

Try baking them with a touch of cinnamon or roasting them with your favorite herbs for a tasty side dish.