Here’s Why People Are Putting Purple Yams In Their Desserts (2024)

FAQs

What is the purpose of purple yams? ›

Purple yam is a great source of potassium, carbohydrates, and vitamin C. Additionally, it provides iron and vitamin A and has very little fat content. They contain potent plant chemicals, such as anthocyanins, which reduce blood pressure and inflammation.

Sweet Potatoes and Health

Sweet potatoes with purple flesh are richer in anthocyanins. Beta-carotene and anthocyanins are naturally occurring plant “phyto” chemicals that give vegetables their bright colors. These phytochemicals are researched for their potential role in human health and disease prevention.

What Do They Taste Like? It depends on the variety, but in general, purple sweet potatoes are mildly sweet and almost wine-like in taste. They tend to be much drier and starchier than traditional sweet potatoes. For this reason, purple sweet potatoes are often cooked for longer than traditional sweet potatoes.

Purple sweet potatoes existed long before genetically modified foods, and the purple coloring occurs naturally. In fact, many places now use purple sweet potatoes as a form of natural food dye, for coloring candies, drinks, and other foods!

Purple yams are an incredibly nutritious starchy root vegetable. Their powerful antioxidants may help reduce your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. They are tasty and versatile with a vibrant color, making them an exciting ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes.

The flesh color varies from white or yellow to purple or pink in mature yams. Yams have a unique taste, too. Compared to sweet potatoes, yams are less sweet and much more starchy and dry. They also tend to have a good shelf life.

Okinawans typically serve sweet potatoes steamed, which perfectly renders their creamy texture and sweet flavor.

The distinct ube flavor is slightly nutty with a hint of vanilla. It has a coconut-like aroma that lends itself well to dessert items. Ube is most often boiled, mashed, and mixed with condensed milk to bring out its sweetness.

Yes, your dog can eat yams—just remember to cook them first. By boiling or cooking these starchy root vegetables, you rid them of certain tannins and compounds that could prove toxic to your dog. While raw yams might not be good for your dog, cooked yams are an excellent whole food for your furry friend.

Although the purple potatoes glycemic index is lower than regular potatoes, eating large amounts can still impact blood sugar levels. Therefore, if you have diabetes, you should keep consumption in moderation to help promote blood sugar control.

Are purple potatoes inflammatory? ›

Cuts Inflammation

And in another one of the studies, daily consumption (150 g) of purple potatoes for six weeks reduced the inflammatory marker—fasting state C-reactive protein—more than the same amount of white potatoes in healthy individuals.

Sweet potatoes can be eaten raw or cooked. To eat raw, simply peel, cut into sticks and serve with low-fat ranch dressing or apple sauce for dipping. Grate fresh, uncooked sweet potatoes and add to burritos or tacos or sprinkle on salads for a sweet, nutritious crunch.

Purple potatoes are a rich source of antioxidants, which help protect against chronic diseases. source: fdc.nal.usda.gov. Purple potatoes have a lower glycemic index compared to white potatoes, making them a better choice for blood sugar control.

Unlike its darker skinned counterpart, the tubular-shaped Okinawan sweet potato has a buff or light brown colored skin with a violet-purple flesh. This tuber has a slightly sweet taste and a creamy texture, lending itself to the same recipes you would use with orange sweet potatoes.

A purple sweet potato can be baked, roasted, boiled or steamed. It can also be mashed after cooking. But don't use them in a recipe that includes baking soda, as this may cause the potato's flesh to turn green!