North Carolina is the epicentre of sweetpotato production, which are then shipped all over the world, including France, from November to the end of June. The cultivation and distribution of this superfood is unmatched and is continuing to go from strength to strength.
North Carolina: world leader in sweetpotato production
With more than 60% of America’s national production on 34,000 hectares, North Carolina is the largest exporter in the USA, and the USA is the world’s largest exporters of sweetpotatoes globally.
After harvest by the commission’s farmers, North Carolina’s sweetpotatoes are first cured and then stored in climate-controlled buildings using an innovative ventilation system developed by the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at North Carolina State University, allowing storage for up to 12 months with the promise of freshness.
Michelle Grainger, executive director of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission, explains: “Over time, sweetpotatoes are gradually prepared for export. Immediately after harvest, the vegetables are placed in a specific environment of high temperature and humidity for a period of three to five days, making the skin firmer and transforming the starch into sugar.
“They are then kept in the dark and at low temperatures, they go into dormancy, which shuts down their metabolism and enzymatic processes.
“Without this innovative storage methodology, the sweetpotatoes would be green and their taste slightly altered. Once ready, they are cleaned and ready to be marketed or exported, with cargoes arriving at ports across Europe after 14 days.”
Michelle also highlights the importance of understanding the origin of sweetpotatoes: “If you see ‘Netherlands’ as the place of origin, they could possibly come from North Carolina, given that many of our state’s exporters import through the port in Rotterdam. Often, these sweetpotatoes then get packaged and are shipped to other countries within the EU. Likewise, if the label says USA, they are most likely from our farmers. Many countries, such as China, produce sweetpotatoes primarily for their own consumption.”
Sweetpotato: a nutritional treasure with low ecological impact
What makes the sweetpotato so special is its exceptional nutritional composition. Sweetpotatoes are rich in fibre and vitamin A, a true superfood! As global food demand increases, their nutritional value becomes imperative to forming a healthy diet.
Additionally, growing sweetpotatoes in North Carolina is an eco-friendly feat because they require very little watering. In a naturally humid climate like North Carolina, the plant develops large edible leaves that act as a natural greenhouse, minimizing water evaporation. It is a perfect illustration of how nature can provide a sustainable solution to the farming solutions that support in feeding the planet.
North Carolina, as a leader in sweetpotato cultivation, continues to demonstrate through the action of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission, the industry’s commitment to quality vegetable production, while significantly contributing to global food security and reducing the ecological impact of agriculture.
