Sweet potatoes are edible roots belonging to the morning-glory family.

While sweet potatoes have yellow or orange flesh, their skin may vary in color from white to garnet or purple. The darker-skinned varieties of sweet potato have vivid orange, sweet flesh that produces a much moister texture than their lighter-skinned kin.

Unlike "white" potatoes, sweet potatoes are a low-glycemic nutritional powerhouse providing an excellent source of beta-carotene (438%!) and vitamin C, plus a good source of fiber, vitamin B6 and potassium.

Glycemic Index=61
Glycemic Load=17
Antioxidant Score (ORAC)=2,115 and 766

*Sweet potato, baked (2,115) and sweet potato, boiled (766)

Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dark and well-ventilated place. They will keep fresh for up to ten days. Keep them away from sunlight or temperatures above 60°F as this will cause them to sprout or ferment. Refrigerating sweet potatoes alters their taste.