In-depth Analysis: Purple Sweet Potato vs Sweet Potato

Purple sweet potatoes and sweet potatoes are two common root tuber ingredients. Although their appearances and tastes are similar in some ways, they still have great differences in other aspects. Next, we will compare these two types of tubers to see their respective characteristics.

Color differences

Color characteristics of purple sweet potatoes

The skin of purple sweet potatoes is commonly deep purple or purplish red. The flesh is mostly deep purple or purple and white in alternation. Some varieties have white and purple spiral textures when cut. Its color comes from the anthocyanins it contains.

Color characteristics of sweet potatoes

The skin color of sweet potatoes is diverse, including red, yellow, and white. The flesh colors include orange-yellow, white, light yellow, light pink, etc. The color is mainly determined by the beta-carotene it contains.

Nutritional differences

Characteristics of nutritional components of purple sweet potatoes

Purple sweet potatoes contain anthocyanins, which are their unique pigment components and give them a purple color. They also contain vitamin C, dietary fiber, minerals such as potassium and magnesium, and carbohydrates. The vitamin C content of purple sweet potatoes is usually relatively higher than that of sweet potatoes. Anthocyanins are the characteristic nutrients that distinguish purple sweet potatoes from sweet potatoes.

Characteristics of nutritional components of sweet potatoes

The beta-carotene contained in sweet potatoes is the source of their orange-yellow color. In addition, there are vitamin C, dietary fiber, vitamin B6, carbohydrates, and minerals such as potassium and iron. Beta-carotene is the main nutritional difference between sweet potatoes and purple sweet potatoes and is its characteristic nutritional component.

Taste differences

Taste characteristics of purple sweet potatoes

Purple sweet potatoes have a dense and delicate texture. They contain relatively less water. The taste is dry and glutinous. The sweetness is moderate and it has a unique light fragrance.

Taste characteristics of sweet potatoes

The taste of sweet potatoes varies greatly depending on the variety. Some have a powdery and glutinous texture, some are full of moisture, and some are relatively soft. Sweet potatoes usually have a higher water content than purple sweet potatoes. The sweetness is also higher than that of purple sweet potatoes. Some varieties will have honey-like substances. After baking, it is easy to have a phenomenon of honey flowing.

Differences in cooking uses

Purple sweet potatoes have these uses in cooking:

In dessert making, it can be used as purple sweet potato paste filling to be wrapped in pastries. It can also be used to make purple sweet potato cakes, purple sweet potato mooncakes, and purple sweet potato dumplings, giving desserts a unique flavor and beautiful color.

In staple food improvement, purple sweet potatoes can be used to make purple sweet potato steamed buns, purple sweet potato bread, and purple sweet potato pancakes, adding different textures and nutrition to staple foods.

In terms of beverages, purple sweet potatoes can be used to make purple sweet potato smoothies and purple sweet potato soy milk, which taste quite unique.

The cooking uses of sweet potatoes are as follows:

For staple foods, there are roasted sweet potatoes, which taste sweet and glutinous; steamed sweet potatoes have a glutinous texture; sweet potato porridge is very thick; and sweet potato pancakes also have a unique flavor.

For snacks, there are sweet potato strips and sweet potato chips, which have a crispy texture. Sweet potato balls are glutinous and delicious.

For stir-frying, stir-fried sweet potato leaves are quite refreshing. Sweet potato stewed with meat has a rich flavor and is very appetizing.

In desserts, candied sweet potatoes are sweet and delicious. Sweet potato dumplings are glutinous and sweet.

Are purple potatoes high in starch?

The amount of starch contained in purple sweet potatoes is not particularly prominent. Among various common foods, its starch content is roughly at a medium level. Under normal circumstances, the proportion of starch in purple sweet potatoes is about in the range of 20% to 30%. The specific value will vary according to different varieties and growing conditions.

Compared with ordinary sweet potatoes, the starch content of purple sweet potatoes is slightly lower. If compared with crops with high starch content such as potatoes and corn, the amount of starch in purple sweet potatoes is obviously much less. However, compared with vegetables with low starch content such as green peppers and tomatoes, the starch content of purple sweet potatoes is much higher.

Is purple sweet potato more difficult to cook than ordinary sweet potato?

Purple sweet potatoes are indeed slightly more difficult to cook than ordinary sweet potatoes, but the difference is not significant. Mainly because the texture of purple sweet potatoes is relatively dry and the fiber content is also higher.

When cooking purple sweet potatoes, it usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes more. However, this extra time is actually not a big problem. Just pay a little attention. When cooking, you can add more water or extend the steaming or boiling time.

Judging whether purple sweet potatoes are cooked may be a bit more troublesome because the color is relatively dark and it is not easy to tell with the naked eye. Poke it with a chopstick or fork. If it can be easily poked through, it means it is cooked.

How can we judge whether purple sweet potatoes are ripe?

The simplest way is to look at the skin and feel the texture. A ripe purple sweet potato has a uniformly deep purple skin. When gently pressed with the hand, it has moderate elasticity and the firmness is just right.

Ripeness can also be judged from weight and size. Fresh purple sweet potatoes are often relatively heavy, have a moderate size and a full shape. If the purple sweet potato is particularly light or there are obvious wrinkles on the surface, it is not fresh.

When cutting open a purple sweet potato, the inside should be uniformly purple. The flesh should be firm and there should be no hollowness. When buying, it is best to choose purple sweet potatoes in season. The storage time should not exceed two weeks to ensure a good taste.