You may be asking yourself what Japanese Sweet Potatoes you are referring to, and if you have been to a Japanese restaurant recently, you may have heard the term before. However, most people do not know what a Japanese Sweet Potato is, let alone where they come from or their specific differences from regular sweet potatoes. It is essential to know this because these little gems can play a crucial role in your health and diet. Therefore, we will look at precisely what this superfood is and how it can make a positive difference in your life.
Name
Historically, in ancient China, the name for Japanese sweet potato was Hang Lung, meaning “dried or smoked sweet potato.” The name is also related to the Hangzhou wine, known as “potato wine” due to its high levels of starch. Historically, Hang Lung was a valuable spice in Chinese medicine and agriculture.
What is the difference between sweet potato and Japanese sweet potato?
The difference between the two is in their taste and texture. Japanese sweet potatoes have lower sugar content, so that they will be less sweet than those grown domestically. They also tend to have darker skin and a nuttier flavor due to roasting or boiling instead of steaming, typical for sweet potatoes grown at home.
Can you eat the skin of a Japanese sweet potato?
You can eat the skin of a Japanese sweet potato because it’s not typically eaten, and it contains nutrients and fiber to help reduce the chances of constipation and improve your digestive health. You can eat them by themselves, in salads, or mashing them up with some coconut oil and brown sugar for a delicious sweet potato dessert.
Eating them gives you a lot of fiber, potassium, vitamin A and C. It’s also good for lowering blood sugar, the risk of heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
For one thing, unlike regular potatoes, they contain less sodium and more potassium, both of which are essential to your overall health. In addition, these Japanese sweet potatoes have been found to lower blood pressure and have been shown to help protect cardiovascular health. While this is not a cure for any medical condition, these properties lend themselves to helping prevent high blood pressure.
Are Japanese sweet potatoes good for weight loss?
Yes. Studies have shown that sweet potatoes can be a very effective weight-loss food.
A research group of the International Potato Center in Peru did some controlled studies with people on a calorie-restricted diet and found that including sweet potatoes was beneficial for both weight loss and glycemic control. This is one study of many, but it’s vital information, especially if weight loss is your primary goal.
Is it OK to eat sweet potatoes every day?
Yes and no. Yes, because even though they’re a starchy food like white potatoes, the sweet potato is healthier for you, and many dieters find it’s easy to avoid overindulging in them. No, because we also shouldn’t overeat any one type of vegetable (or other food) at once. Variety is essential when it comes to maintaining health and nutrient levels in your body.
What are the disadvantages of sweet potatoes?
Japanese sweet potatoes are in the same family as yams, typically much more precious than regular (orange) sweet potatoes. This high sugar content can make them taste bitter to people who aren’t used to it, and they also tend to be less fluffy than American-style mashed or baked sweet potatoes.
How can you tell if a Japanese sweet potato is terrible?
The color of the skin should be a bright yellow-orange. In addition, once you cut it open, it should have a flaky texture inside with no wet spots or black spots on the inside. Japanese sweet potatoes can go wrong, so check your produce before buying!
Varieties
In addition to the three main varieties of Japanned potatoes, there exist two other main sub-types of Japanned potato. The yellow sweet potato is fleshier than the regular type; it is slightly crumbly and contains more water. The second is the red-skinned potatoes, which contain less water and more starch. There are also a few other varieties that have varying degrees of flavor, texture, and color. Each type of Japanned potato can be used as-is or used in various ways, such as making white sauces, soups, or other foods.
