This is the sixth installment in our series “In Season at the Farmers Market” where we do just that — explore what is in season at the moment.
This month, sweet potatoes are in their peak season.
The domestication of the sweet potato goes way back — some 5,000 years. In the U.S., this relative of the morning glory has been grown since the 16th century. In the U.S., the terms “sweet potato,” and “yam,” are used interchangeably, but true yams are in a different family. However, the U.S. Agriculture Department requires that vegetables labeled as “yams,” also be identified as sweet potatoes.
Sweet potatoes are low in fat and high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of heart disease. They’re also high in vitamin B-6, vitamin C and potassium and a good source of dietary fiber. A baked-in-the-skin sweet potato has only 103 calories and just four grams of fat.
“One of the best qualities about sweet potatoes is their ability to fit into both sweet and savory dishes,” said Dr. Rosemary Rodibaugh, extension nutrition specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “It’s easy on the chef, too – it can be baked, boiled, steamed, roasted or even microwaved. However, don’t freeze sweet potatoes because that will ruin the firm texture and render them mushy.”
Buying and storage tips:
- Arkansas sweet potatoes are available from August through October.
- Choose sweet potatoes with a deep orange color.
- Select firm, well-shaped tubers with smooth, bright uniformly colored skins.
- Don’t refrigerate! Chilling will give the tuber a hard core and ruin the taste.
- When prepping to cook, scrub sweet potatoes under cold running water just before cooking.
For more information and recipes for preparing sweet potatoes, ask for FCS727 from your county extension office or visit www.uaex.edu.
Farmers markets open to get your sweet potatoes:
Farmers Market West, Promenade at Chenal, 17711 Chenal Pkwy., Little Rock– The new farmers market takes over the west Little Rock shopping center from 1-5 p.m. every Saturday until Oct. 26. Support local Arkansas farmers, try food samplings, enjoy local artist music and more. Vendors include: North Pulaski Farms, Laughing Stock Farm, Little Rock Urban Farming and Barnhill Orchards. New!
Little Rock Farmers Market, River Market Pavilions, 400 President Clinton Ave.: Filled with farmers selling farm-fresh produce straight to consumers from the backs of their trucks from early morning until mid-afternoon every April through October, patrons can find bargains on Arkansas crops as well as a bountiful array of handmade arts and crafts at the farmers market. There will be a variety of fresh produce, including sweet potatoes! The market now offers a special “Veggie Valet” service, where you can leave your purchases with the valet and receive a claim ticket. Enjoy the River Market at your leisure and when you are ready, drive to the pig fountain on the north side of the pavilions and the valet will load your items for you. Talk about easy!
Bernice Garden Farmers Market, 1401 South Main St., Little Rock: The SoMa farmers market sells sustainable fruits, veggies, nuts, berries, flowers, herbs, cheeses and tons of cool artisan goods. The market is open every Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until the fall.
Argenta Farmers Market, 6th and Main Streets, North Little Rock: From 7 a.m. – noon every Saturday, the public can peruse the various vendors selling tons of artisan goods and fresh produce, including sweet potatoes. It’s on the River Rail Trolley route with an abundance of free parking, making it easy to get in and out! Call (501) 993-1234 for more information.
Hillcrest Farmers Market, in front of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock: The year-round farmers market, which is open 7 a.m. – noon Saturdays, will have a large variety of goods and produce. Carolyn Staley, the associate pastor of the Pulaski Heights Baptist Church (the farmers market is located in front of it) and the market liaison, said at least two farmers are bringing sweet potatoes to sell, including Barnhill Orchards and Felder Farms.