Sweet potato: meaning, definitions and examples
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sweet potato
[ ˈswiːt pəˈteɪtəʊ ]
food
A sweet potato is a starchy, sweet-tasting root vegetable. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Sweet potatoes are often orange in color, but they can also be found in other varieties such as purple or white. They are commonly baked, boiled, or fried and are a popular ingredient in many dishes.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sweet potato |
Common in American and international cuisine, often used in savory and sweet dishes. Often baked, mashed, or fried.
|
| yam |
Often confused with sweet potatoes in North America, but true yams are a different species and mainly found in African, Asian, and Caribbean cooking. They are starchier and less sweet than sweet potatoes.
|
| batata |
Primarily used in Latin American and Spanish cuisine. It is typically utilized in traditional dishes and can be found in markets in these regions.
|
| kumara |
Commonly used in New Zealand and some Pacific Island cultures. It is a staple in Maori cuisine and often featured in Hāngī meals (traditional earth oven cooking).
|
Examples of usage
- Would you like some roasted sweet potatoes with your dinner?
- Sweet potatoes are a healthier alternative to regular potatoes.
- She made a delicious sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving.
- The sweet potato fries at that restaurant are amazing!
- I enjoy adding mashed sweet potato to my soups for extra flavor.
Translations
Translations of the word "sweet potato" in other languages:
🇵🇹 batata-doce
🇮🇳 शकरकंद
🇩🇪 Süßkartoffel
🇮🇩 ubi jalar
🇺🇦 солодка картопля
🇵🇱 batat
🇯🇵 サツマイモ
🇫🇷 patate douce
🇪🇸 batata
🇹🇷 tatlı patates
🇰🇷 고구마
🇸🇦 بطاطا حلوة
🇨🇿 batát
🇸🇰 batat
🇨🇳 红薯
🇸🇮 sladki krompir
🇮🇸 sætkartafla
🇰🇿 тәтті картоп
🇬🇪 ტკბილი კარტოფილი
🇦🇿 şirin kartof
🇲🇽 camote
Etymology
The sweet potato is believed to have originated in South America, specifically in the region that is now Peru. It has been cultivated for thousands of years and was a staple food for many indigenous peoples. The sweet potato made its way to Europe in the 16th century through Spanish explorers and eventually spread to other parts of the world. Today, it is enjoyed globally for its nutritional value and delicious taste.