Purple sweet potatoes are more than just a colorful addition to your plate. They bring a unique taste and texture that sets them apart from regular sweet potatoes. From traditional uses in Asia to creative applications in Western cuisine, purple sweet potatoes offer culinary versatility. This guide will explore how they taste, the different varieties, and the best ways to cook them. So, do they taste different from regular sweet potatoes? Let’s dig deeper.
What Are Purple Sweet Potatoes?
Purple sweet potatoes belong to a diverse family of root vegetables. Their defining characteristic is their vibrant purple flesh, a result of natural pigments. These pigments not only give them their stunning color but also hint at their unique flavor. Compared to regular sweet potatoes, they have a firmer, denser texture. The subtle differences in flavor and appearance make purple sweet potatoes a distinct choice for culinary exploration.
Purple sweet potatoes are available in multiple varieties, each offering a slightly different flavor profile. The most well-known are:
- Stokes Purple®: This variety was first cultivated in Stokes County, North Carolina. It is now grown primarily in California. Stokes Purple® sweet potatoes are known for their earthy taste with mild floral sweetness.
- Okinawan Sweet Potatoes: These potatoes originated in Okinawa, Japan, and have been a staple in both Okinawan and Hawaiian cuisine. They feature a beige skin with purple flesh and have a starchy, dry texture. Their flavor is less sweet than traditional orange sweet potatoes, with subtle honey notes.
- Murasaki Sweet Potatoes: Developed in Louisiana, Murasaki sweet potatoes have reddish-purple skin and white flesh. Their flavor is sweeter than Stokes or Okinawan varieties, with hints of brown sugar and vanilla.
These varieties are each unique in taste and texture, offering a wide range of culinary uses.
Do Purple Sweet Potatoes Taste Different?
Yes, purple sweet potatoes taste different from regular sweet potatoes. While orange sweet potatoes are typically known for their intense sweetness and soft texture, purple sweet potatoes offer a more complex and nuanced flavor profile.
Detailed Flavor Profiles:
- Stokes Purple®: Mildly sweet with floral and earthy undertones. The flavor is more subtle than regular sweet potatoes, making it ideal for dishes where sweetness isn’t the main focus.
- Okinawan: Earthy and starchy, with just a touch of sweetness. Their honey-like flavor develops more during cooking, especially when roasted or baked.
- Murasaki: The sweetest of the purple varieties, these potatoes have a flavor reminiscent of vanilla and brown sugar. This makes them perfect for desserts and sweet dishes.
In comparison, regular sweet potatoes are often buttery, moist, and very sweet. The nuanced flavors of purple sweet potatoes make them better suited for both savory and sweet dishes, offering more flexibility in the kitchen.
Texture and Moisture Differences
Another significant difference between purple sweet potatoes and regular sweet potatoes is their texture. While regular sweet potatoes are moist and creamy, purple sweet potatoes tend to be drier and denser. This gives them a firmer bite when cooked, making them ideal for certain types of dishes.
Texture Breakdown by Variety:
- Stokes Purple®: These potatoes are slightly moist but still dense and starchy. When baked or roasted, they hold their shape well, providing a firm texture that pairs well with rich sauces or hearty stews.
- Okinawan: These are the starchiest and driest of the purple sweet potato varieties. Their dense texture makes them perfect for frying or baking, as they hold up well under high heat without becoming mushy.
- Murasaki: While still firm, Murasaki sweet potatoes are slightly more moist than other purple varieties. This makes them versatile, allowing them to be used in both sweet and savory applications, including pies and mashed dishes.
The drier texture of purple sweet potatoes means they take a little longer to cook than orange sweet potatoes. However, their firmness allows them to retain their shape and structure in various preparations, making them ideal for dishes like gratins, roasted wedges, and more.
Culinary Uses of Purple Sweet Potatoes
Thanks to their distinct flavor and texture, purple sweet potatoes are perfect for a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re looking to create a savory side dish or an indulgent dessert, these tubers bring both visual and culinary appeal.
Common Dishes Using Purple Sweet Potatoes:
- Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes: Roasting caramelizes their natural sugars and brings out their earthy flavor. Roasted wedges or cubes are perfect as a side dish or as a topping for salads.
- Purple Sweet Potato Fries: Their firm texture makes them excellent for fries. Cut them into wedges, toss them in oil and your favorite seasonings, and roast them in the oven for crispy results.
- Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes: While traditional mashed potatoes are soft and buttery, purple sweet potatoes offer a denser, more earthy alternative. Their rich texture makes them ideal for pairing with hearty dishes like roasted meats.
- Baked Goods and Desserts: The sweeter Murasaki variety is perfect for desserts like pies, cakes, or muffins. The natural sweetness and vanilla-like flavor make these potatoes a great base for baked goods.
- Curries and Stews: Their firm texture holds up well in slow-cooked dishes like stews and curries. The earthy flavor complements rich sauces, spices, and proteins like chicken or beef.
For more inspiration, visit AllRecipes, which offers a wide selection of recipes featuring purple sweet potatoes in both savory and sweet dishes.
Cooking Methods and Their Impact on Flavor
The way you cook purple sweet potatoes can significantly affect their flavor and texture. Different methods bring out unique aspects of these potatoes, making them suitable for various dishes.
Best Cooking Methods:
- Baking: Baking enhances the natural sweetness of purple sweet potatoes while preserving their dense texture. To bake, wrap the potatoes in foil and roast them in the oven at 400°F for about 45 minutes. The foil helps retain moisture, while the long cooking time softens the flesh without making it mushy.
- Roasting: Roasting at high heat brings out the potatoes’ earthy flavors. This method caramelizes the natural sugars in the potatoes, creating crispy, flavorful exteriors. Roasted purple sweet potatoes are perfect for salads, sides, or as a snack.
- Steaming: In places like Okinawa and Hawaii, purple sweet potatoes are often steamed. Steaming retains the firm texture and subtle sweetness of the potatoes, making them a great addition to traditional dishes or as a standalone side.
- Frying: Frying purple sweet potatoes enhances their crispy texture. Whether you’re making fries or fritters, the dry, firm texture ensures the potatoes stay crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Global Popularity of Purple Sweet Potatoes
Purple sweet potatoes have long been a staple in many cultures. Their vivid color and unique taste make them a favorite across the globe, particularly in Asia and Hawaii.
Purple Sweet Potatoes in Asian Cuisine:
In Japan and Okinawa, purple sweet potatoes are a dietary staple. In Okinawan cuisine, they are typically steamed or boiled and served with savory dishes. Their slightly sweet, earthy flavor pairs well with fish, rice, and other simple dishes.
In Japan, Murasaki sweet potatoes are commonly used in tempura, mashed potato cakes, and desserts. The potatoes’ sweetness makes them ideal for these traditional Japanese dishes, where their firm texture adds to the overall experience.
Purple Sweet Potatoes in Hawaii:
In Hawaii, Okinawan sweet potatoes are used in both savory dishes and desserts. These potatoes are often served mashed or steamed, and their earthy flavor pairs well with Hawaiian staples like pork or seafood.
Purple Sweet Potatoes in Western Cuisine:
In the U.S. and Europe, purple sweet potatoes have become increasingly popular. Chefs appreciate their versatility in both sweet and savory dishes. From roasted wedges to pies and gratins, purple sweet potatoes are making their mark in contemporary Western cuisine. Their vibrant color also adds a unique visual element, making them a popular choice for presentation-focused dishes.
Differences Between Purple Sweet Potatoes, Ube, and Yams
It’s easy to confuse purple sweet potatoes with ube or yams, but they are distinct vegetables.
- Purple Sweet Potatoes: These tubers have purple flesh and skin, and are known for their mildly sweet, earthy flavor. They are starchy and firm, making them versatile for both sweet and savory dishes.
- Ube: Ube is a type of purple yam from the Philippines. It is primarily used in desserts like ube halaya (sweet jam) and ube ice cream. Ube is sweeter than purple sweet potatoes and has a nuttier flavor. It is also creamier in texture when cooked and mashed.
- Yams: True yams are starchy tubers with rough, bark-like skin and white, yellow, or purple flesh. They are drier and less sweet than sweet potatoes and are more commonly used in African and Caribbean cuisines.
Understanding these differences helps when selecting the right ingredient for a dish. While they may look similar, their flavors and textures vary significantly.
How to Buy and Store Purple Sweet Potatoes
Finding and selecting purple sweet potatoes may require a bit more effort than regular sweet potatoes, but they are becoming more available. With the rise in their popularity, you can now find them at specialty grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and even online retailers. When purchasing purple sweet potatoes, it’s important to choose ones that are firm, smooth, and free of blemishes. The skin should be intact without any soft spots or signs of wrinkling.
Tips for Buying:
- Inspect the Skin: Look for smooth, unbroken skin. Avoid potatoes that have spots, cracks, or soft areas, as these are indicators of age or improper storage.
- Choose Firm Potatoes: Like all root vegetables, firm purple sweet potatoes are a sign of freshness. Softness indicates the potato may be too old.
- Size Considerations: Medium-sized tubers often have the best flavor and texture. Larger potatoes may be overly starchy or fibrous, while very small ones can cook unevenly.
Once you bring them home, it’s crucial to store them properly to maintain freshness. Unlike regular sweet potatoes, which may tolerate refrigeration better, purple sweet potatoes should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Storage Tips:
- Keep in a Cool, Dark Area: Store purple sweet potatoes in a pantry or cupboard where the temperature stays between 55°F and 60°F (13°C to 15°C). Excessive heat or cold can affect their texture and flavor.
- Avoid Refrigeration: Storing them in the fridge can cause the flesh to harden and negatively impact the flavor. Instead, leave them at room temperature in a ventilated area.
- Use Within Two Weeks: Ideally, use purple sweet potatoes within two weeks of purchase to ensure peak freshness.
Properly stored, purple sweet potatoes can last up to two weeks or longer, depending on the variety and the climate where you live.
Popular Dishes Featuring Purple Sweet Potatoes
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or a holiday feast, purple sweet potatoes can bring a pop of color and unique flavor to any dish. Below are some popular ways to incorporate them into your cooking.
Savory Dishes:
- Purple Sweet Potato Fries: These fries are a healthier and visually appealing alternative to regular fries. Because of their firm texture, purple sweet potatoes crisp up nicely when roasted or air-fried. For an extra burst of flavor, try seasoning them with herbs like rosemary and thyme, or spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder.
- Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes: Roasting purple sweet potatoes enhances their natural earthy sweetness while maintaining their dense texture. You can serve roasted cubes or wedges alongside grilled meats or toss them into salads for extra depth and color.
- Purple Sweet Potato Mash: For a twist on traditional mashed potatoes, try using purple sweet potatoes. Their denser texture adds more structure to the dish, making them a heartier option. Add a touch of butter, garlic, and herbs for a flavorful side dish.
- Purple Sweet Potato Curry: Their firm texture makes purple sweet potatoes ideal for slow-cooked dishes like curries. The earthy flavor pairs well with spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, making them a great addition to vegetable or chicken curries.
Sweet Dishes:
- Purple Sweet Potato Pie: Move over pumpkin pie—purple sweet potato pie is here to steal the spotlight! The naturally sweet flavor of Murasaki sweet potatoes makes them the perfect base for a decadent pie filling. Their vivid purple color also adds an impressive visual element that’s sure to wow your guests.
- Purple Sweet Potato Cake: For a unique dessert, consider using purple sweet potatoes in cakes or cupcakes. Their sweetness pairs well with vanilla, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg, making for a moist, flavorful cake.
- Purple Sweet Potato Ice Cream: Popular in Japan and Hawaii, purple sweet potato ice cream combines the natural sweetness of the tuber with the creamy texture of ice cream. It’s an indulgent and colorful dessert that’s easy to make at home with a simple ice cream maker.
- Purple Sweet Potato Doughnuts: For a unique breakfast treat or dessert, try adding purple sweet potatoes to your doughnut batter. The sweet, earthy flavor pairs well with a glaze made from vanilla or maple syrup.
Global Popularity of Purple Sweet Potatoes
Purple sweet potatoes have been a staple in various cultures around the world for centuries, particularly in Asia and the Pacific islands. In recent years, they have gained popularity in Western countries due to their vibrant color and versatile use in both traditional and modern cuisines.
Asian Cuisine
In countries like Japan, purple sweet potatoes are an essential ingredient in many dishes. The Murasaki variety, in particular, is popular in Japanese sweets, such as sweet potato cakes and pastries. The slightly sweet, vanilla-like flavor of Murasaki sweet potatoes works well in desserts, where their dense texture provides a satisfying bite.
In Okinawa, Okinawan sweet potatoes are often steamed or boiled and served as a side dish to complement savory meals. The honey-like flavor of the potatoes pairs well with fish, pork, or chicken, providing a balance of sweetness and earthiness in each dish. Okinawan sweet potatoes have also become a significant part of Hawaiian cuisine, where they are commonly used in traditional dishes like poi or mashed as a side dish.
Western Cuisine
In the U.S. and Europe, purple sweet potatoes have become increasingly popular due to their versatility in the kitchen and their eye-catching appearance. Chefs often use them in creative dishes that play off their unique flavor and texture. You’ll find them in everything from purple sweet potato fries to pies and gratins.
Additionally, the growing interest in plant-based and colorful foods has led to more widespread use of purple sweet potatoes in vegetarian and vegan recipes. Their firm texture makes them a perfect substitute for meat in hearty dishes like curries and stews.
Differences Between Purple Sweet Potatoes, Ube, and Yams
One common source of confusion is the difference between purple sweet potatoes, ube, and yams. While they may look similar, they are distinct ingredients that serve different culinary purposes.
- Purple Sweet Potatoes: These are the purple-fleshed cousins of the more common orange sweet potato. They have a firm, starchy texture and a mildly sweet, earthy flavor. They are best suited for savory dishes, but certain varieties, like Murasaki, also work well in sweet applications.
- Ube: Ube is a type of purple yam that is native to the Philippines. It is typically used in desserts because of its sweet, nutty flavor. Unlike purple sweet potatoes, which are widely available in fresh form, ube is often found in processed forms like jams, powders, or pastes. Ube is also creamier when cooked, which makes it a popular ingredient in Filipino desserts like ube halaya and ube ice cream.
- Yams: True yams are not related to sweet potatoes. They are native to Africa and parts of Asia, and they have a much starchier and drier texture than sweet potatoes. Yams have rough, bark-like skin and white, yellow, or purple flesh, depending on the variety. They are less sweet than both purple sweet potatoes and ube and are used primarily in savory dishes.
FAQs
Do purple sweet potatoes taste sweeter than regular sweet potatoes?
No. Purple sweet potatoes generally have a more earthy flavor and are less sweet than orange sweet potatoes. However, certain varieties, like Murasaki, do have a slightly sweeter taste.
Can you eat the skin of purple sweet potatoes?
Yes. The skin is edible and adds a slight texture to dishes. Be sure to wash the potatoes thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or residue.
How should you cook purple sweet potatoes?
Baking and roasting are ideal methods for bringing out the flavor of purple sweet potatoes. Boiling works well if you plan to mash them, but roasting or baking helps preserve their firm texture.
Are purple sweet potatoes the same as ube?
No. Ube is a type of yam from the Philippines, while purple sweet potatoes are a type of sweet potato. Ube is sweeter and creamier, while purple sweet potatoes are firmer and less sweet.
Which variety is best for desserts?
The Murasaki variety is often preferred for desserts due to its sweeter, vanilla-like flavor. It works well in pies, cakes, and other sweet treats.
Conclusion
Purple sweet potatoes offer a unique flavor and texture that sets them apart from regular sweet potatoes. Their earthy taste, firm texture, and vibrant color make them a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you’re roasting them as a side dish or using them in a decadent pie, these colorful tubers are sure to add something special to your meals. With varieties like Stokes Purple®, Okinawan, and Murasaki, there’s a type of purple sweet potato to suit every dish.
So the next time you’re at the market, consider picking up a few purple sweet potatoes and experimenting with their rich flavor and colorful appeal. You might just discover your new favorite ingredient!