Sweetpotato Varieties

The many shapes, sizes and colours of sweetpotatoes share the story behind the wide varieties of sweetpotatoes available today.

Types of Sweetpotatoes

Covington, White, Japanese? Orange, Yellow, Purple? The many shapes, sizes and colours of sweetpotatoes share the story behind the wide varieties of sweetpotatoes available today. The challenge? How to choose!

There are hundreds of types of sweetpotatoes, ranging from white and mild to deep red and super sweet. Many are grown in small quantities and can be found at local farmers’ markets. Lucky for you, North Carolina sweetpotatoes are available every month of the year. When selecting sweetpotatoes, it is important that they are firm to the touch and show no signs of decay. For even cooking, choose sweetpotatoes that are uniform in shape.

The following are the four popular sweetpotato varieties found in supermarkets nationwide. Depending on flavour and texture, certain sweetpotato varieties lend themselves better to certain recipes.

Many types of sweetpotatoes are grown in North Carolina. Although some are grown for special uses, the majority are the orange-fleshed, moist, sweet varieties that are widely accepted in the fresh market and for processing. The list of sweetpotato varieties changes rapidly, and new varieties with superior qualities are released almost annually. Each variety has certain advantages and disadvantages.

Covington sweetpotato

A favourite for mashing or roasting, the Covington Sweetpotato has rose colored skin and supersweet orange flesh. Eat it whole with your favourite toppings or cut it into wedges and bake as a side dish.

Purple sweetpotato

There are hundreds of varieties of sweetpotato grown in North Carolina. While some are grown in small quantities for special uses, the majority are the moist, sweet, and orange fleshed varieties that we are used to seeing and eating across Europe.

The most popular varieties found in supermarkets, grocers and restaurants are the white sweetpotato, purple sweetpotato and the Covington sweetpotato.

The Covington was developed at the North Carolina State University, to be grown by farmers in North Carolina, and is today the most common sweetpotato variety on the market.

White sweetpotato

This white Sweetpotato has a pale copper skin, almost like a potato, but don’t be fooled. This tater’s white flesh is sweet, creamy and ideal for soups and stews.

Murasaki and Japanese sweetpotato

Murasaki sweetpotatoes have red skin and dry, white flesh. Roast these up with a few of your favourite root veggies for a colourful side dish.