Sweet potato

Patate douce

What it is

Not a potato and not even a close relation — it is a morning glory. Its presence in Polynesia centuries before Columbus is one of the strongest arguments that Pacific islanders reached South America and sailed home again.

In the kitchen

Bake it slowly. An enzyme converts starch to maltose between roughly 60 and 75°C, and a slow oven gives it time to work.

Goes with

Lime Chili pepper Cumin Coconut milk Butter Paprika Ginger Maple syrup

Same species

Dangmyeon Water spinach

Also used with

Alaea red Hawaiian salt Black koji Japanese chestnut Pecan truffle Sacha inchi Mugi miso

In season alongside

Borlotti bean Butternut squash Coco de Paimpol Parsnip Red kuri squash Pumpkin

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