Written By Jill Weldon, Director of Food and Nutrition

 

Sweet potatoes are sweet, starchy root (grow in the ground) vegetables that are grown worldwide. They come in a variety of sizes and colors — including orange, white, and purple — and are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.

Fun Facts

• Originate over 5,000 years ago
• China is the world’s largest grower of sweet potatoes
• Two varieties, pale yellow or dark orange

Book Suggestion

• Little Sweet Potato by Amy Beth Bloom

Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potato
• 1/8 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Cut sweet potatoes into medium-sized strips like French fries.
2. Let potatoes soak in water for an hour (not mandatory, but recommended).
3. Preheat oven to 425°F.
4. Put 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch into a plastic bag.
5. Pat potatoes dry with a clean towel (if needed), then add a handful at a time to the bag with the cornstarch.
6. Seal the bag and shake until the fries are all lightly coated, repeating with remaining potatoes and adding more cornstarch if necessary.
7. Place cornstarch-coated fries on a nonstick cookie sheet, then drizzle oil over top and mix with your hands until well coated.
8. Arrange on the sheet in a single layer with a bit of space between each fry if possible. (The more spread out, the better they’ll cook; if there are too many on the tray, they won’t get as crispy.)
9. Place in preheated oven and cook for 15 minutes; stir and flip, then return to the oven for a bit longer if necessary until the fries are cooked to the desired doneness.

Source: Super Healthy Kids