Price sweet potatoes

Types of sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are well-liked around the world, from Asia to Africa, Latin America, and then in the United States. They come in different colors and shapes, as well as these different varieties of them in type, extent of their sweetness, texture, and the kind of dirt they require to grow.

The genus to which all these varieties belong is called Ipomoea batatas, and they are rooted in the morning glory family. Native to South America and Central America, sweet potatoes grow in a subtropical to tropical climate region.

There are at least four species of sweet potatoes, some with white flesh and dry types, some with orange flesh and moist type, some with purple flesh and moist type, and the others with cream or tan flesh. These different species undergo diverse degrees of sweetness and texture, with some being drier than others and some being moister.

Sweet potatoes grow best in sandy loam soils and moderately dry conditions, though they can grow in less suitable varieties of soil and in wet conditions. They are a global food system that provides food security and nutrition to various peoples.

Sweet potatoes are grown in a variety of countries around the world today, with each country providing a particular variety that grows best within its climate. For instance, the orange-fleshed type thrives within the somewhat dry climate of the United States, while the purple-fleshed type grows better within the moist climate of Korea and Peru.

Some of the subtypes of sweet potatoes include the purple-fleshed sweet potato, which is called ubes in the Philippines; Japanese satsumaimo, which red-fleshed varieties are grown in Japan; American garnet or jewel sweet potato, which is the red-skinned and orange-fleshed variety grown widely in America; and white-fleshed varieties called bataw in the Philippines, which red-skinned but paler-fleshed than the garnet.

Price of sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes grow in a variety of forms, colors, and even sizes. Some are as small as potatoes or even smaller in size, while others can grow as big as a football and even larger. They all have the same basic structure, made of a starchy root, a thin skin that can be of diverse colors, and a flesh that can also be of different colors.

Prices of sweet potatoes will depend on several factors, which include type, thickness, size, color, the store they are bought from, and location at the time of purchase. Sweet potatoes can cost anywhere around a couple of dollars to as much as 15 to 20 dollars per pound. Specialty sweet potatoes, like the Japanese cultivar, are typically sold at higher prices in specialist markets.

In general, purple-fleshed sweet potatoes are considered to be more expensive than the orange and white-fleshed varieties. And then, organic sweet potatoes are typically sold at higher prices than their counterparts that are grown conventionally.

Speaking of the factors affecting the price of sweet potatoes, one of them is the season. During the off-season, when they are not being harvested, prices can skyrocket and are almost twice as much as what they are during the season when they are harvested.

Prices will also depend on whether they are locally sourced or imported. Locally sourced sweet potatoes are generally cheaper than imported ones, especially hard-to-find varieties like purple-fleshed ones that are grown in overseas countries.

How to store sweet potatoes properly

Storing sweet potatoes properly helps to retain their goodness and ensures they last longer. Here are some rules to follow when storing them:

• Keep them in a cool, dark place – Sweet potatoes last longer when kept in a dark, cool place, such as a cellar or cupboard, than when placed in sunlight or refrigerated. They do well at temperatures between 55°F and 60°F. Refrigerating them tends to change their taste and make them gritty.
• Avoid storing sweet potatoes near other produce – Potatoes should not be stored with other vegetables, especially those that emit ethylene gas, like apples and bananas. Some fruits cause potatoes to spoil faster than usual because they emit ethylene gas, which speeds up spoilage.
• Keep them dry but not too dry – Sweet potatoes should not be stored in moist conditions, as moisture encourages mold growth. However, they should not be stored in overly dry conditions, as very dry conditions can make them shrivel. The ideal condition is slightly humid but dry enough to prevent mold.
• Allow them to breathe – Sweet potatoes should not be kept in plastic bags, as plastic bags trap moisture and heat, which encourages spoilage. Store them in ventilated containers like baskets or cloth bags to allow air circulation.
• No washing before storage – Sweet potatoes should not be washed before storage, as washing them adds moisture, which causes them to spoil faster. They should be brushed gently to remove dirt, while any damaged or cut potatoes should be used immediately to prevent them from spoiling.

Possible uses and industries with sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are extremely versatile and used in so many industries beyond just the food industry. Here are a few:

• Food industry – The food industry uses sweet potatoes in so many ways within dishes like casseroles, fries, chips, soups, pastries, and more. They can be savory or sweet, solid or liquid, and come in various preparations like purees, mashes, and more. Because they are naturally sweet and starchy, they also help make baked goods like breads and cakes denser and adding more sweetness to them.
• Agricultural industry – Sweet potato plants are occasionally used to feed livestock because of the nutritional value the leaves and immature tubers have. Sweet potato vines are also sometimes used to make silage, which is fermented and stored feed for animals to help them get through off-season periods when they are not able to find forage.
• Cosmetic industry – Because of the nutrients and ant antioxidants that sweet potatoes contain, they are used in cosmetics like moisturizers, face masks, and other skincare products. Sweet potatoes help to hydrate, brighten, and improve the overall texture of the skin they are applied to, which is why they are used in many beauty products.
• Diabetic and gluten-free product market – Sweet potatoes are starchy but have low carbohydrate content, which makes them suitable for keto and low-carb sweeteners diets and products. They are also used to make sweet potato flour, which is gluten-free and perfect for people with gluten intolerance.
• Textile industry – The fibers from sweet potato plants are used to make threads and fabrics for the textile industry. Sweet potato fibers are not only durable but also eco-friendly.
• Biodiesel production – The starch in sweet potatoes can be converted to oils and then biodiesel for the renewable energy industry. This can help provide a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and reduce reliance on petroleum and other fossil fuel sources.
• Paper manufacturing and packaging – Because sweet potato peels are so rich in fiber and cellulose, they can be used to make biodegradable papers, paper products, and sustainable packaging materials within the paper manufacturing industry.

How to choose high-quality sweet potatoes

It is possible to get sweet potatoes that are fresher and of better quality than others by paying attention to certain attributes they have. Some of these attributes include:

• Skin appearance – A sweet potato that is fresh and of good quality will have skin that is smooth and taut without deep grooves, cracks, or rough patches. If there are any deep grooves, cracks, rough patches, or other noticeable new varieties in the manner they have grown, then these potatoes are already spoiled or going rotten and should not be bought. Deep grooves, cracks, and rough patches on sweet potatoes indicate that the potatoes are spoiled or have started rotting.
• Color and type – The color of sweet potato skin varies depending on the variety. It can be reddish-orange, purplish, or tan. They all look similar to each other, so they all come in variations of the color that will suit various people's preferences. The skin color should be vibrant and not dull. Those that come with orange-fleshed skin should have reddish-orange skin, while purple-fleshed varieties should have purplish skin. All of these fleabane skinned potatoes should have vibrant skin colors and not have dullness as a characteristic of its skin coloration. Duller colors indicate that the sweet potato is either overriped or spoiled.
• Firmness – Quality sweet potatoes should feel firm all through without any soft spots, mushiness, or dents. They should have a hard and solid-like feel to their surfaces. Any that has undergone spoilage will feel soft and mushy on the outside and have dents or small holes on the surface. Also, it is worth noting that the bigger the potato, the more likely it will have soft spots or be spoiled. Ideally, it is best for them to be of a reasonable size.
• Shape – Sweet potatoes are generally cylindrical or elongated in shape, but they should not be too skinny or too chunky. Those that are too skinny have too much moisture content, while those that are too big or chunky have too much starch and are dryer inside. The best ones are those that have a balance between length and width, are elongated but not too narrow, and have a slightly tapered end.
• Sprouts – Avoid the ones that have started developing sprouts or eyes because these ones are overriped. The eyes will be beginning to sprout or having small sprouts on them. If there are small shoots or leaves growing out of the eyes of the sweet potatoes, this means they have stayed too long and are rotting. Go for the ones that have no sprouts and only a small depression or little indentation where the eye was cut off.

Q&A

Q1. Is Chovm.com a reliable platform for buying sweet potatoes in bulk?

A1. Yes, Chovm.com is a reputable platform for wholesale agricultural products, including bulk sweet potatoes, from professional suppliers and farms.

Q2. Are the potatoes on Chovm.com certified organic or conventional?

A2. Both organic and conventional sweet potatoes are available on the platform, depending on the buyer's needs and preferences.

Q1>Q3. What are some of the factors influencing the price of sweet potatoes on Chovm.com?

A3. Factors like season, quantity or bulk sweet potatoes purchased, variety, and origin can all affect the prices listed on Chovm.com.

Q4. Do prices include shipping, or are transport costs separate?

A4. The price sweet potatoes details on sweet potato prices include provisions for shipping, while some do not include shipping but have separate transportation arrangements.

Q5. Were all different kinds of sweet potatoes the same as regular potatoes?

A5. While they look similar to regular potatoes, all the different types of sweet potatoes have distinct flavors, textures, and appearances.

Q6. How can buyers ensure quality when ordering sweet potatoes online?

A6. Buyers can refer to supplier ratings, reviews, and product descriptions, including pictures, to assess the quality of the sweet potatoes.

Q7. Can sweet potatoes be customized in any way when purchased in bulk from Chovm.com?

A7. Yes, sweet potatoes can be customized regarding size, variety, and packaging, depending on the bulk buyer's requirements.