Sweet potatoes are not botanically related to real potatoes, although both are native to Central America. Sweet potatoes arrived in Europe earlier than potatoes and were highly valued in their time. Due to their high starch content, sweet potatoes have become one of the most important foods of the local population in some regions of the world. Surprisingly, however, the largest consumer is Great Britain. There are two types of sweet potatoes – red and yellow. Both types are sweeter than classic potatoes. Titbit mainly supplies yellow sweet potatoes to the Czech market, red ones are more expensive and there is less demand for them from retail chains.

Sweet potatoes, which have a bright color thanks to carotenoids, are high in fiber and are one of the most nutritious vegetables. They are one of the best sources of carbohydrates and have the ability to release nutrients slowly and evenly. However, these tubers can also help prevent cancer, degenerative eye diseases, depression and heart disease.

Sweet potatoes are usually prepared similarly to classic potatoes. This means that they can be used to prepare everything from porridge to french fries. However, compared to classic potatoes, sweet potato tubers are much larger and sometimes weigh up to around a kilogram.

Sweet potatoes can be grown well from purchased tubers with vegetation eyes. Young potted plants are an interesting potted houseplant that requires tying to a pole. For the summer, we can transfer it to the garden or to an unheated foil plant. It is a recumbent perennial tuberous plant that grows up to 5 m. The leaves are variegated, often deeply lobed. Sweet potatoes bloom white, pink to purple on long stems; they are very similar to decorative candlesticks. They are grown for tubers that have various elongated shapes. The weight of the tubers of one plant ranges from 0.5 kg to 5 kg. They always require a sunny position, deep sandy loam soils, rich in organic storage substances. Irrigation is recommended about 6 times per growing season, which will significantly increase the yield of tubers. Pre-grow in pots and can be planted in place only after the May frost period has passed. Always plant in well-heated soil relatively deep and rake as with classic potatoes. Harvesting of tubers takes place only after the stems have dried, most often in September and early October. Stored oyster mushrooms will last in a dry and cool cellar for about 3 weeks. The room must be sufficiently ventilated. Small tubers for spring planting are better placed in boxes with sand or peat.

The largest producers are the United States of America, Spain, Egypt and Honduras. The highest quality sweet potatoes are grown in the USA and their best variety is Convington, which Titbit mainly imports. The advantage of sweet potatoes grown in the USA is that compared to other varieties, they are softer, tastier, look better and, most importantly, smaller calibers of S or M are imported.

From the color of the tubers, it is possible to guess that beta-carotene is contained in them. Most of us associate it with carrots and their beneficial effect on the eyes. However, it is also an antioxidant of many other benefits. First of all, it increases the overall defenses of the body and ensures a youthful appearance of the skin by delaying the process of wrinkle formation. It also has a positive effect on the proper development of the embryo in the mother’s body. Another substance contained in sweet potatoes is chlorogenic acid, which is currently often talked about in connection with green coffee and its considerable effect on weight loss. It stimulates liver metabolism and thus helps burn fat faster. In addition, however, it also gently lowers high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, helps regeneration and mild detoxification of the body. Another interesting acid is caffeic acid, which is also characterized by its beneficial effect on blood sugar levels.

Sweet potatoes also supply the body with a significant amount of vitamin B6, which relieves insomnia, depression, generally tunes the psyche and prevents atherosclerosis. In addition, it helps against cardiovascular diseases, alleviates the symptoms of epilepsy, prevents stroke and is essential for the overall growth and reproduction of cells in the body. Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin, so the body cannot store it, and in addition, it is destroyed – like all B vitamins – by long storage, freezing, canning and other lengthy and inappropriate technological procedures. Sweet potatoes also contain pectin and plant sterols that lower cholesterol levels and, for example, a relatively large amount of vitamin C. Eating sweet potatoes with the skin ensures a high intake of insoluble fiber, which acts against constipation, diverticulosis, hemorrhoids and is effective against obesity.

Sweet potatoes are also suitable as baby foods after women are breastfeeding. They are easy to digest, healthy for the baby and they like them due to their sweet taste.