Do Purple Sweet Potatoes Cook Differently? Exploring Their Unique Qualities

When you see the bright color of Purple sweet potatoes, have you ever thought that its cooking methods will be different from ordinary potatoes? Perhaps it hides more secrets.

Do Purple sweet potatoes need to be cooked differently?

Purple sweet potatoes do not need to be cooked in a very different way.

It has a slightly dry texture and a moderate amount of starch. Common cooking methods such as steaming, baking, boiling, and stir-frying are all fine. Steaming can preserve its original purple color and nutrients. After boiling, it can be used to make mashed potatoes or added to salads to make the colors more beautiful.

When baking, whether cut into pieces or baked whole, adding a little olive oil, salt and spices will make the color more vivid and the skin crispy. Since its texture is firmer, it takes a little more time to cook.

Also, in order to retain the anthocyanins, it is best not to deep-fry at high temperatures or boil for a long time during cooking, otherwise the color and antioxidant components will be lost.

Do Purple sweet potatoes require peeling before cooking?

If only steaming, boiling or baking:

They can be cooked directly with the skin on. This can retain more nutrients and make the color contrast of the finished product more beautiful. After cooking, the skin is also easier to peel off. It is suitable for those who pursue a delicate texture.

If making dishes that require a delicate texture:

For example, when making mashed potatoes and soups, it is recommended to peel them in advance. However, after peeling, Purple sweet potatoes are prone to oxidation and discoloration. They can be soaked in clear water to slow down the oxidation speed.

Does boiling Purple sweet potatoes change their flavor or texture?

Boiling Purple sweet potatoes will cause a slight change in its taste and texture.

After being cooked, the taste of Purple sweet potatoes becomes softer and has a hint of sweetness. Moreover, after the starch is gelatinized, the texture will be more dense and delicate. Compared with other potato varieties, Purple sweet potatoes have a high content of resistant starch. Even after being cooked, they can still maintain a certain degree of firmness and will not easily become extremely soft.

In addition, if Purple sweet potatoes are boiled for too long, their color may fade. Therefore, it is recommended to boil them over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes after the water boils. And try to cut them as little as possible to reduce the cutting area. In this way, their unique purple color can be retained and their nutritional value can also be preserved.

Are Purple sweet potatoes better suited for steaming than boiling?

Purple sweet potatoes are indeed more suitable for steaming and less suitable for boiling.

When steaming, without directly contacting a large amount of water, the natural purple pigment in them, that is, anthocyanin, and nutrients such as vitamins and minerals will lose less, and the color will look more vivid.

Moreover, steaming can maintain the original firm texture of Purple sweet potatoes, making them quite suitable for making salads, mashed potatoes or side dishes.

When boiling, Purple sweet potatoes are prone to absorb too much water, the texture becomes soft and mushy with a watery feeling, and the color will also darken due to the dissolution of anthocyanin. So if you want a firm texture and good appearance, steaming is a better choice.

Do Purple sweet potatoes cook faster or slower than regular potatoes?

Purple sweet potatoes take a bit longer to boil than ordinary potatoes. Usually, it takes an additional 3 to 5 minutes to be fully cooked. This is because Purple sweet potatoes have a high starch content and tighter fibers.

When cooking Purple sweet potatoes, it is better to cut them into small pieces. This way, the heat is more evenly distributed and the cooking time can be shortened. First, boil the water with high heat, then turn to medium-low heat and simmer slowly. It takes about 20 to 25 minutes.

When choosing Purple sweet potatoes, it is better to pick those with moderate size and smooth skin. This kind has a good taste and is easy to absorb flavors when cooked. When cooking, adding some salt can make the potatoes soften faster and add some flavor.

What dishes benefit the most from the unique texture of Purple sweet potatoes?

Salad dishes

After being cooked, Purple sweet potatoes have a firm texture and are not easy to break apart, so they are quite suitable for making potato salad. Its purple appearance can make the dish look more attractive. Paired with vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots, and tomatoes, the color contrast is obvious and the dish looks even better.

Baked potato dishes

If Purple sweet potatoes are baked, the skin will become crispy and the inside is still firm. They can be used to make baked potato chunks or whole baked potatoes. Adding seasonings such as olive oil, minced garlic, and rosemary can bring out its fragrance and unique texture very well.

Stews and soups

In stews or thick soups, Purple sweet potatoes are not easy to be cooked too soft and can maintain a块状 shape, adding a sense of layering to the dish. It is very good to stew with beef or add to vegetable soup.

Purple mashed potatoes

Although Purple sweet potatoes are a bit drier than ordinary potatoes, this texture is quite suitable for making mashed potatoes. Especially when paired with butter, cream, and a little vanilla for seasoning, it can make a firmer and finer mashed potato. The unique purple color also makes the dish more artistic.

French fries or potato chips

Purple sweet potatoes have a firm texture and less water, so they are very suitable for making French fries or potato chips. They can be fried to a crispy texture and present an attractive purple appearance.

Creative dishes and desserts

The color and texture of Purple sweet potatoes provide special materials for creative dishes. For example, they can be made into Purple sweet potato dumplings, Purple sweet potato dough, or used in desserts like Purple sweet potato pudding and Purple sweet potato cake, which are outstanding in both vision and flavor.