Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Purple Sweet Potato
Nutritional Value (per 100g cooked)
- Anthocyanins: Higher antioxidant content than blueberries
- Fiber: 3g - supports digestive health
- Vitamin A: 14187 IU - 283% of daily value
- Vitamin C: 19.6mg - 33% of daily value
- Manganese: 0.5mg - 25% of daily value
Health Benefits
- ✔ Powerful anti-inflammatory properties
- ✔ May help regulate blood sugar levels
- ✔ Supports eye health and vision
- ✔ Promotes gut health with prebiotic fiber
- ✔ May reduce risk of chronic diseases
- ✔ Supports brain function and memory
Tip: The purple flesh retains its color when cooked, making it perfect for colorful dishes!
How to Grow Purple Sweet Potatoes
1
Choosing the Right Variety
- Popular types: 'Okinawan', 'Purple Stokes', 'All Purple'
- Climate: Thrives in warm climates (USDA zones 8-11)
2
Site Selection & Preparation
- Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
- Soil: Loose, well-drained soil with pH 5.5-6.5
- Space: Allow 12-18 inches between plants
3
Planting
- Timing: Plant slips after last frost when soil is warm
- Method: Plant slips 4-6 inches deep, leaving leaves above soil
4
Maintenance
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Fertilization: Use low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer
- Weeding: Keep area weed-free, especially early in season
5
Pest & Disease Management
- Common issues: Sweet potato weevils, fungal diseases
- Solutions: Crop rotation, organic pest control
6
Harvesting
- Time: 90-120 days after planting
- Method: Gently dig up tubers before first frost
- Curing: Cure in warm, humid place for 10-14 days
Note: Purple sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are different from purple yams (Dioscorea alata) despite similar appearance!
Summary: Choose variety → Prep site → Plant slips → Maintain → Protect → Harvest nutritious purple tubers!
Purple Sweet Potato Growing Tutorial
Learn how to grow purple sweet potatoes in your garden or containers.
Purple Sweet Potato Recipes to Enjoy
From traditional Asian dishes to modern desserts—discover how this vibrant tuber enhances meals.
Purple Sweet Potato Recipe Tutorials
Easy videos on how to prepare delicious purple sweet potato dishes at home.