sweet-scented potatoes are a two - for - one craw . In gain to the sweet , extremely colored tubers , the vine bring forth edible leafage that can be used as you would other commons . The leaves are quite nutritious and contain several vitamin and mineral . In increase to eating fresh , you could dry out or immobilise them .
About Sweet Potatoes
The perfumed potato is a repeated vine , native to the tropics . In developing countries it is a major food for thought source . It is related to the morning glory , and has standardized flowers , although it does n’t normally flower in temperate climates . The tubers are create in a cluster underground . A well - grown gratifying potato vine will normally produce a pound or more of genus Tuber .
Climates for Sweet Potatoes
sugared potatoes – even the little - season change – require a frost - spare arise season of at least 120 day . They do well in USDA zone 8 to 11 . However , they can be grown in the winter in hot desert climates if turn over adequate water . In colder zone , they can be started indoors and planted after the peril of frost has perish ; they may need to be harvested early , which may limit tuber size of it .
Growing Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are not difficult togrow . The stock-still sprouts , or slips , should be spaced about 18 inches asunder in idle ground that debilitate well . temperate natality is all that ’s required , but the plants prefer an acid ground . Most sweet-flavored potatoes will bring out a crop even in relatively piteous soil . decent piss will increase genus Tuber size and number , although plant can tolerate some dry spells .
Growing Leaves Indoors
you may produce odorous Irish potato indoors all year around if you want an edible houseplant . Start the leaves by growing a sweet potato tuber in water , then come away the rootedslipsand place each in a clean jar . The vines need no other food , just an occasional weewee modification . you may harvest leave-taking at any clip or reap the total vine .
The Shape of the Leaf
sweet-flavored potato leaves amount in different shapes , count on the variety . Leaves uprise in a spiral around the stem . Leaves may be lobed or nearly divided and may have tranquil or serrated edges . Leaves are slightly hairy to touch . They may be :
Sweet Potato Leaf Color
Sweet potatoes can be grown primarily for their tubers or for their decorative leaves . plant grown for intellectual nourishment mostly have greenish - yellow or green leave , and some have purple pigmentation . A few have purple leaves when young and unripened ripe leave . Ornamental plants may have deep purple to almost black folio , lime green or yellow leaves and leaves speckle and streak in dissimilar colours , including pink and ashen .
Leaves are Edible
Many people do n’t substantiate that sweet potato leaf and stem areedible . However , stems – specially those of any size of it – tend to be tough . The leaves are best if glean when young and tender . They are usually fudge in pee as you would chard or Spinacia oleracea . They can also be slice thin and added to salads or saute in fatty tissue or stock .
Nutrients in Leaves
unfermented potato can be compared to spinach in terms of food . They are high in atomic number 20 , iron and zinc . Sweet potatoes are also a good reference of carotin . The leave contain the vitamins C , E and K , as well as vitamin G , thiamine , folic battery-acid and niacin . Like spinach , they do contain oxalic acid , but in much lower measure , which is why they can be used raw as well as cooked .
Recipes for Leaves
sweet-scented tater leaves can be substitute for other leafy greens . essay them saute in a little European olive tree oil or butter with some onions . Cook them in simmering water until just droop , then cover in a sauce such as hollandaise . Chopped parting can be total to soup , lather and casserole . Finely sliced leaves are a good add-on to salad or can be made into vegetable fritters .
Storing Sweet Potato Leaves
The two best methods of bear on sweet potato leaves are immobilize and dehydrating . In both cases , the leaves should be blanched and then shocked in ice body of water . throw off off any water remaining on the leaves , then freeze down or dehydrate . Although it ’s possible to pressure sensation can them just as you would spinach , the discernment and grain are not as in effect as when frozen .
