Healthy Matter Raw Materials epsd (week 7)

Sweet potatoes

What is sweet potatoes?

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is a kind of cultivation plant. The part used is the roots that form the tubers with high levels of nutrients (carbohydrates). In Africa, sweet potato tubers are an important source of essential food. In Asia, besides being utilized tubers, young leaves of sweet potatoes are also made for vegetables. There are also sweet potatoes used as an ornamental plant because of the beauty of the leaves.
Sweet potato flower.

Sweet potatoes come from tropical South America and, still debated, Papua. Those who disagree on the origin of sweet potatoes from Papua argue that the Indians have sailed westward through the Pacific Ocean and helped spread sweet potatoes to Asia. This proposal is widely opposed because it is contrary to the climatological and anthropological facts.

History of sweet potatoes:

Sweet potatoes are native to Central and South America and are one of the oldest vegetables known to man. They have been consumed since prehistoric times as evidenced by sweet potato relics dating back 10,000 years that have been discovered in Peruvian caves.
Christopher Columbus brought sweet potatoes to Europe after his first voyage to the New World in 1492. By the 16th century, they were brought to the Philippines by Spanish explorers and to Africa, India, Indonesia and southern Asia by the Portuguese. Around this same time, sweet potatoes began to be cultivated in the southern United States, where they still remain a staple food in the traditional cuisine.
Worldwide, about 80 million tons of sweet potatoes are grown in China each year, with Africa producing about 14 million tons, Central and South America about 2 million, and the U.S. about 1 million tons. Within the U.S., over half of all commercially grown sweet potatoes come from the southern states (especially North Carolina).

Types of sweet potato:

Types of Sweet Potatoes – Hannah Sweet Potatoes

SKIN – Cream colored and pretty smooth.
FLESH – Cream/whitish colored that becomes yellow when baked.
TASTE – Pretty sweet and fairly firm inside (Hannah sweet potatoes are considered a dry or firm sweet potato meaning that the flesh is pretty firm and dry when cooked).

Types of Sweet Potatoes – Japanese Sweet Potatoes

SKIN – Purple and fairly smooth. Generally more round (“fatter”) than the Stokes purple sweet potatoes, which are more elongated.
FLESH – Whitish flesh that turns golden when baked.
TASTE – Very sweet and fairly firm inside.
NUTRITION – Data from Calorie Count.
Serving Size: 1 medium (130g)
Calories: 113
Fat: 0
Cholesterol: 0
Potassium: 438mg
Total Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 2.3g
Vitamin A: 202%*
Vitamin C: 30%*
Calcium: 5%*

Types of Sweet Potatoes – Jewel Sweet Potatoes

SKIN – Orange/copper. I find it really hard to tell garnet and jewel sweet potatoes apart because their coloring is fairly similar both inside and outside. To me, it seems that garnets are slightly more redish in color on the outside.
FLESH – Deep orange.
TASTE – Mildly sweet and fairly firm inside.
NUTRITION Data from Earthbound Farm.
Serving Size: 3/4 cup (85g)
Calories: 70
Fat: 0
Cholesterol: 0
Sodium: 15mg
Total Carbohydrates: 23g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: 300%*
Vitamin C: 10%*
Calcium: 2%*
Iron: 2%*

Types of Sweet Potatoes – Stokes Purple Sweet Potatoes

SKIN – Deep purple.
FLESH – Deep purple.
TASTE – Not very sweet, and pretty dry inside.
NUTRITION – Data from Stokes Foods.
Serving Size: 4 oz (113g)
Calories: 130
Fat: 0
Cholesterol: 0
Sodium: 0
Total Carbohydrates: 29g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: <2%*
Vitamin C: 20%*
Calcium: 4%*
Iron: 6%*
Antioxidants – these purple sweet potatoes are high in anthocyanin, a phytochemical.

Types of Sweet Potatoes – Garnet Sweet Potatoes

SKIN – Redish/Dark Orange.
FLESH – Orange.
TASTE – Mildly sweet, and pretty moist inside.
NUTRITION – Data from Earthbound Farm.
Serving Size: 3/4 cup (85g)
Calories: 80
Fat: 0
Cholesterol: 0
Sodium: 15mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: 300%*
Vitamin C: 8%*
Calcium: 4%*
Iron: 2%*

Source : http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=64 https://paleomagazine.com/types-of-sweet-potatoes-with-images-and-why-you-should-eat-them

Cassava

What is cassava?
Cassava is native to Brazil and the tropical areas of the Americas. It’s widely grown all over Latin America and the Caribbean. It was, and still is, an essential root vegetable in the Caribbean diet. It’s been around, since before Columbus’s arrival, as a staple food of the Taino, Carib, and Arawak population, especially in the form of cassava bread. Because it was so crucial to the culture, the natives revered it. A 1554 Spanish historical account describes a ceremony in which a native priest blessed cassava bread and then divided it among the tribal people present. The recipients then preserved the bread to protect their families from danger throughout the following year. Cassava is still eaten throughout all the islands today and you’ll find it piled high at produce markets.

History of cassava:
Cassava (Manihot esculenta), also known as manioc, tapioca, yuca, and mandioca, is a domesticated species of tuber, originally domesticated perhaps as long ago as 8,000-10,000 years ago, in southern Brazil along the southwestern border of the Amazon basin. Cassava is today a primary calorie source in tropical regions around the world, and the sixth most important crop plant worldwide.
The progenitor of cassava (M. esculenta ssp. flabellifolia) exists today and is adapted to forest and savanna ecotones.

Archaeological evidence of cassava in the little-investigated Amazon basin has not been identified-the area was determined the point of origin based on genetic studies of cultivated cassava and various possible progenitors. The first archaeological evidence of manioc is from starches and pollen grains after it was spread outside the Amazon.

Types of cassava:
There are two varieties of cassava – sweet and bitter.

Both contain Prussic acid (hydrocyanic acid), which can cause cyanide poisoning. Cooking or pressing the root thoroughly removes the poison. Cassava can never be eaten raw. Bitter, or wild, cassava contains enough acid so that it can be fatally poisonous if eaten raw or undercooked. To escape the Conquistadors, the oppressed natives were known to commit suicide by eating raw cassava.

Don’t be intimidated. You won’t come into contact with bitter cassava in U.S. stores. Sweet cassava is sold in American markets fresh or frozen. Bitter cassava is processed into safe edible flours and starches, which in turn are made into breads, pastries and cakes.

Source : https://www.thespruce.com/introduction-to-cassava-yuca-2138084 https://www.thoughtco.com/cassava-manioc-domestication-170321

Potato

What is potato?

The potato is a starchy, tuberous crop from the perennial nightshade Solanum tuberosum. The word "potato" may refer either to the plant itself or to the edible tuber.^[2] In the Andes, where the species is indigenous, some other closely related species are cultivated. Potatoes were introduced to Europe in the second half of the 16th century by the Spanish.

Potato has become a staple food in many parts of the world and an integral part of much of the world's food supply. It is the world's fourth-largest food crop, following maize, wheat, and rice.^[3] The green leaves and green skins of tubers exposed to the light are toxic.

History of potato:

Potatoes originated in the Andean mountain region of South America. Researchers estimate that potatoes have been cultivated by the Indians living in these areas for between 4,000 and 7,000 years. Unlike many other foods, potatoes were able to be grown at the high altitudes typical of this area and therefore became a staple food for these hardy people.

Potatoes were brought to Europe by Spanish explorers who "discovered" them in South America in the early 16th century. Since potatoes are good sources of vitamin C, they were subsequently used on Spanish ships to prevent scurvy. They were introduced into Europe via Spain, and while they were consumed by some people in Italy and Germany, they were not widely consumed throughout Europe, even though many governments actively promoted this nutritious foodstuff that was relatively inexpensive to produce. The reason for this is that since people knew that the potato is related to the nightshade family, many felt that it was poisonous like some other members of this family. In addition, many judged potatoes with suspicion since they were not mentioned in the Bible. In fact, potatoes initially had such a poor reputation in Europe that many people thought eating them would cause leprosy.

Some of the credit for the rise in potatoes' popularity is given to two individuals who creatively engineered plans to create demand for the potato. In the 18th century, a French agronomist named Parmentier created a scheme whereby peasants could "steal" potatoes from the King's "guarded" gardens. He also developed and popularized the mashed potato that became popular probably because he made this suspicious vegetable unrecognizable. Another person who was instrumental to the acceptance of potatoes was Count Rumford. A member of the British scientific group, the Royal Society, Rumford created a mush soup made of potatoes, barley, peas and vinegar, which the German peasants adopted as a satisfying and inexpensive dish.
It is thought that the potato was first brought to the United States in the early 18th century by Irish immigrants who settled in New England. People in this country were slow to adopt the "Irish potato" and large scale cultivation of potatoes did not occur in the U.S. until the 19th century.

There are not that many foods that can claim that a pivotal historical event centered around them. But the potato can. By the early 19th century, potatoes were being grown extensively throughout Northern Europe, and potatoes were almost solely relied upon as a foodstuff in Ireland owing to this vegetable's inexpensive production and the poor economy of this country. Yet, in 1845 and 1846, a blight ruined most of the potato crop in Ireland and caused major devastation: this event is known as the Irish Potato Famine. Almost three-quarters of a million people died, and hundreds of thousands emigrated to other countries, including the United States, in search of sustenance.

Today, this once-infamous vegetable is one of the most popular throughout the world and the one that Americans consume more of pound for pound than any other. Currently, the main producers of potatoes include the Russian Federation, Poland, India, China and the United States.

Types of potato:

White

Best for: Boiling, Frying, Mashing, Steaming, Salads
Available: Year-round

Appearance: small to medium; round to long shape; white or tan skin; white flesh

Texture: medium starch; slightly creamy, slightly dense; thin, delicate skin

Flavor: subtly sweet; mild; low sugar content

White potatoes hold their shape well after cooking. Their delicate, thin skins add just the right amount of texture to a velvety mashed potato dish without the need for peeling. Grilling whites brings out a more full-bodied flavor. Create signature potato salads–just toss cooked white potatoes with dressings and ingredients “borrowed” from other salads, e.g., Caesar dressing and grated Parmesan; or ranch dressing, chopped egg and bacon crumbles.

Russet

Best for: Baking, Frying, Mashing, Roasted
Available: Year-round

Appearance: medium to large, oblong or slightly flattened oval, light to medium russet-brown, netted skin, white to pale yellow flesh.

Texture: floury,dry; light and fluffy; hearty skin that is chewy when cooked.

Flavor: mild; earthy; medium sugar content

Russets are ideal for light and fluffy mashed potatoes. They also fry up crisp and golden brown, and they are the potato of choice for baking. The delicate flavor and fluffy texture of baked russets go well with all kinds of toppings, from traditional sour cream and chives to spicy and bold Mediterranean or Latin flavors.Try cutting into planks or wedges to make hearty oven-roasted “fries.”

Yellow

Best for: Grilling, Roasting, Mashing, Salads
Available: Late Summer and Early Fall

Appearance: marble to large size; round or oblong shape; light tan to golden skin; yellow to golden flesh.

Texture: slightly waxy, velvety, moist

Flavor: subtly sweet; rich; buttery; medium-sugar content

Grilling gives yellow potatoes a crispy skin that enhances the dense flesh, creating a slightly sweet caramelized flavor. The creamy texture and golden color of yellow potatoes mean you can use less or no butter for lighter, healthier dishes. The naturally smooth and buttery texture also lends itself well to lighter versions of baked, roasted or mashed potatoes. Simmer yellow potatoes until fully cooked, then drain, chill, and gently “smash” into flat disks. Brown these in oil or clarified butter and serve as a side or appetizer topped with sour cream and chives or other garnishes.

Red

Best for: Roasting, Mashing, Salads, Soups/Stews
Available: Late Summer - Early Fall

Appearance: small to medium; round or slightly oblong; smooth, thin red skin; white flesh

Texture: waxy, moist and smooth; creamy

Flavor: Subtly sweet; mild medium sugar content

Because of their waxy texture, the flesh of red potatoes stays firm throughout the cooking process, whether they are being roasted or cooked in a stew. Their thin yet vibrant red skin adds appealing color and texture to side dishes and salads.Reds are frequently used to make tender yet firm potato salad or add pizazz to soups and stews, as well as being served baked or mashed. Round reds are often referred to as “new potatoes,” but the term “new” technically refers to any type of potato that is harvested before reaching maturity.

Purple and Blue

Best for: Roasting, Grilling, Salads, Baking
Available: Fall

Appearance: small to medium-size; oblong to fingerling; deep purple, blue or slightly red skin; blue, purple lavender, pink or white flesh

Texture: moist; firm flesh. Note–all blue and purple Peruvian varieties have higher starch content and a floury texture

Flavor: earthy, nutty, low sugar content

Most blue/purple potatoes have moist, firm flesh that retains its shape while adding rich, vibrant color and luscious taste to salads. The purple color is preserved best by microwaving, but steaming and baking are also great ways to cook blue/purple potatoes. Because of their mild yet distinctly nutty flavor, blue/purple potatoes naturally complement green salad flavors. Red, White and Blues—Combine blue potatoes with whites and reds in salads or roasted medleys to make all three colors “pop”.

Fingerling

Best for: Pan-frying, Roasting, Salads
Available: Fall

Appearance: 2-4 inches long; finger-shaped or oblong; red, orange, purple or white skin; red orange, purple, yellow or white flesh–sometimes streaked with veins of color.

Texture: waxy, firm, try

Flavor: buttery; nutty; earthy; medium sugar content

Fingerling color and shape are a welcome visual addition to any dish. Pan-frying and roasting enhance their robust flavor and showcase their wonderful nutty or buttery tastes.Consider fingerlings as a change-of-pace foundation for a unique potato salad. Split fingerlings lengthwise and oven-roast to serve as a small-plate or side-dish alternative to fries, with a flavor dipping sauce, like spicy ketchup, romesco, or sriracha mayo.

Source : http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=48 http://wisconsinpotatoes.com/growing/varieties/