Wish I could have them in Japan, too! Peel off the skin of the potatoes, then mash. You are right, they do make an incredibly beautiful side dish. Okinawa sweet potatoes take longer than regular potatoes to cook, so make sure they are quite soft. This post may contain affiliate links. Enjoy! They tend to be much drier and starchier than traditional sweet potatoes. Lisa Romerein. I consider them a delicacy. They are also rich in Vitamin A which is good both for your brain and your eyesight, while it helps to boost your immune system by giving you a healthy dose of vitamin C. It is also awesome for your digestive because it is very rich in fibers. Its as simple as putting it in a thick barbecue stick and grilling it in the campfire. When was Japan known as the home of sweet potatoes? Required fields are marked *. It's a wonderful dessert that combines Vietnamese ch (sweet soups/desserts) and Hawaii's love for tapioca puddings. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Take the Okinawan sweet potatoes out of the pot and let it cool. If you are new to gardening, it is best to do some research on growing and propagating Okinawan sweet potatoesbefore getting a head start. The recipe is easy, has few ingredients and would be great to make ahead of time. Pinch salt. ~Valentina. So comforting that we simply enjoy it as a snack. In Japan, a dish similar to the Korean preparation is called yaki-imo (roasted sweet potato), which typically uses either the yellow-fleshed "Japanese sweet potato" or the purple-fleshed "Okinawan sweet potato", which is known as beni-imo. With this sweet potatoes, you really shouldnt judge it by its cover. This is the potato that we reference in this post and the one we mainly use in day to day Hawaii cooking. I loved that movie, and it must have been such a fun movie to cook around. 1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Instructions. Potatoes can be purple! They will keep up to a month when stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. The Okinawan sweet potatoes have a beige colored skin but a violet-purple flesh. Getting a plant can be a bit tricky since it is patented by Stokes Purplewho initially introduced it to the US market in 2003. Cooking them on a cookie sheet or in a dish results in a drying effect. Peel the potatoes and cut them into large chunks (approximately 2 to 3 inch chunks). Today the variety is still only grown on the island of Molokai, but it's beginning to receive attention from chefs and restaurants throughout Hawaii. Many local supermarkets also make these bars in-house, and you can buy them at Times Supermarket and Foodland Hawaii. Food Service: 323-584-4940. Note, it will take less time if you cut the sweet potatoes in smaller pieces. Most of the carbohydrates in the Okinawa diet come from vegetables, with a smaller amount from fruits, grains, or seeds. Okinawa sweet potatoes are often confused with purple yams, another tuber popular in Okinawa and throughout Southeast Asia. These mashed purple sweet potatoes are stunning, and they're rich, creamy and delicious! Just put it in a thick barbeque stick and grill in the campfire which makes awesome camping food. Nothing beats the warmth of a freshly roasted Japanese sweet potato when the weather turns cool. Enjoy them with and after the a meal! Mike Sizemore, a sweet potato farmer in North Carolina cultivated the sweet potatoes and later obtained a patent for them in 2006. ), Its National Parks WeekHeres How to Explore Them Easily (and for Free!) Are sweet potatoes healthy? Sweet potatoes were first introduced to China in the 16th century and then to Japan in the 17th. Melissa's Okinawa Sweet Potatoes keep well in ventilated areas, preferably a basket. They come insmall to medium sizes and are generally rounder with tapered ends. The possibilities are infinite. We do not specifically market to children under 13. With all these nutritional benefits, Okinawan sweet potatoes are a great food to include in your meals. Boil potatoes for 30 minutes or until soft (will turn dark purple), then drain. Makes 12 servings. We just sent you an email to confirm your subscription. It is best to begin with the Stokes variety of sweet potatoes. Heres a mashed potatoes recipe for you to try at home: The result is a deep purple puree that is the perfect tropical accompaniment for any meal. Sweet potatoes look like a cross between a potato and a yam. Add more coconut milk until the desired consistency is reached. Steaming purple sweet potatoes helps to preserve their nutrients and their flavor. What Is Okra and How Do You Use It? Bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a big pot. Coconut milk and minced garlic add flavor nuances that are usually not usually found in your standard mashed sweet potato side dish. For fries, cook at 400 to 425F for 20-25 minutes, after tossing with olive oil and seasonings. 3 When potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel and slice into 1/2-in.-thick slices. It is actually a very amazing sight which is not only very aesthetically beautiful, but also very delicious. There are Asian markets that still make it, but Hawaiian sweet potatoes are also popular in the United States. Cook on high in the microwave for three to four minutes. Amazing Health Benefits Of Okinawan Sweet Potatoes Do you think the Molokais would be fairly similar to the Okinawans? For an easy supper that you can depend on, we picked out some of our tried-and-true favorites that have gotten us through even the busiest of days. The Okinawa sweet potatoes are not related to regular potatoes, which are a part of the nightshade family. A staple food of this diet? We have an old water well in the country, and these Okinawan sweet potatoes are like vines climbing all over that well. 3 ways to serve Hawaiian sweet potatoes Hawaii's most popular manju maker is Home Maid Bakery. Drain and then mash the potatoes. Posted on Published: July 24, 2020- Last updated: August 21, 2020, Homepage Places to Eat in Hawaii Hawaiian Sweet Potato. 1 Large Okinawan sweet potato 2 cups of condensed milk 2 cups evaporated milk 1 cup of brown sugar 1 cup of glutinous rice flour 200g butter Procedure Boil Okinawan sweet potatoes in a large pot for about 45 minutes. Purple Sweet Potato Croquettes at Pioneer SaloonPioneer Saloon is a popular plate lunch (with a Japanese twist) spot with two locations in Honolulu. Okinawan Sweet Potatoes: How to Plant & Grow What You Should Know About The Purple Sweet Potato - Southern Living Bring a stockpot of water to boil, and add purple potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a source of Vitamin A and dietary fiber. Sweet potato slip firm set in the ground and ready to go! Okinawan Sweet Potato Where To Buy? - Foodie Fitness Much healthier. 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt. Recipe here. 3 Rooted Okinawa Purple Sweet Potato Plants In A Cup Okinawa Sweet Potato Plants. In Japan, they're known as beni-imo and have their own KitKat flavor. Thanks! They contain four times your daily value of vitamin A, half your daily value of vitamin C, as well as manganese, vitamin B6, copper, iron, dietary fiber, and potassium. 4 small-medium Okinawan sweet potatoes, washed cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature 3 plump garlic cloves, crushed and minced 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger teaspoon ground white. Leave it in low heat for about 45 minutes. It is best to store them in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a closed pantry or closet. It's believe to be one of the original plants that the Polynesian voyagers brought to Hawaii (these group of plants were called Canoe Plants). Have fun exploring the 1000+ classic & modern Japanese recipes I share with step-by-step photos and How-To YouTube videos. Sweet Potatoes 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits They have a mildly sweet flavor, and a very dry, starchy texture. Fold in the sour cream, yogurt, honey and salt to taste. Okinawa sweet potatoes are denser in texture than most sweet potatoes, and have a mild, honey-like taste. Step 7 Before serving, some of the ends may be cut off. Drain well. You have to try it! Step 1 Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. If you're looking for a simple recipe to simplify your weeknight, you've come to the right place--easy dinners are our specialty. Fast and reliable. It is faster and easier to cook sweet potatoes than roasting them. If it doesn't appear after 10 minutes, try refreshing the page. There are so many ways to eat them and here, I will be giving you the recipes I love the most that uses this awesome crop. 1 teaspoon dark rum (optional) Directions. Salt and sugar to taste (the dish can be served either sweet or savory). Fabulous dress. Examine the information on this page to learn more about yourself. You can mash the potatoes as much or as little as you'd like. I'm also a mom of two boys and a Los Angeleno. Cut it open to reveal a deep purple inside. The directions are clearly visible. What Is Poutine and Why Is It So Delicious?! They are also filling and packed with nutrients. One way is to simmer them in water for about 15-20 minutes until they are cooked through. Okinawan (Purple) Sweet Potato - Nutrition Facts and - Nutrineat Everybody understands the stuggle of getting dinner on the table after a long day. Copyright 2022 Onolicious Hawaii. I bet it would be delicious with the coconut milk. The Japanese island of Okinawa has one of the longest life expectancies in the world, as such, the traditional Okinawan diet is one of the healthiest. It should have about the same consistency as that of a brownie mix prior to baking. Then prepare the tapioca. The Molokai variety, like the Stokes Purple, is a relatively new development. Peel the skin, cut the potatoes into large chunks, and boil for 30 minutes until soft. On to my absolute favorite recipe. Are purple sweet potatoes healthy or unhealthy for you? There is some debate over whether or not okinawan sweet potatoes are the same as hawaiian sweet potatoes. Add coconut milk and a pinch of salt while mashing. On the left they're raw and about to be cooked, and on the right, they've just finished simmering for about 15 minutes and are completely cooked. The Best Strawberry Daifuku Flavors from Japan! Realistically speaking, however, finding online sellerswho are growing their own from the crop itself is fairly easy. And like regular sweet potatoes, they have a low glycemic index, making them a good option for a diabetic diet. Just try to visit popular market places like the one I have just provided and you will see a lot who can sell you started seeds for your yard. Uiro is one of the oldest mochi cakes with a unique shape and flavor. The beautiful purple flesh is especially popular in desserts. Purple sweet potatoes are wonderful on their own, and even more amazing when turned into a dessert or savory dish! Okinawa sweet potatoes, so named because theyre native to the Japanese island of Okinawa, turn a stunning deep purple when cooked and have a dense, starchy texture. It's harder to find on the mainland, but you may have some luck at Japanese or Chinese markets. Hawaiian sweet potato (also known as Okinawan sweet potato) is a staple ingredient in Hawaii. ~Valentina. Review the privacy policy for Cooking on the Weekends, Copyright 2023 Cooking On The Weekends, All Rights Reserved, Steamed Artichokes with Lemon Beurre Blanc, great side dishes for meats and stews, recipes with purple sweet potatoes, I'd love to see it on Instagram! Ube has a dark skin color, and usually the inside can vary from a lilac to purple color. Here are some of the main varieties to know: Stokes Purple(R) sweet Potatoes were born right here in the United States. While potatoes are boiling, grate zest from limes and set aside; then squeeze juice from limes and set aside. I used Japanese sweet potatoes, but if you can find the brilliant purple hued Okinawa sweet potato youll have a feast for the eye as well as the palate. Joan Velush, 3 to 4medium purple Okinawa sweet potatoes, 1/3 teaspoon Hawaiian sea salt, or kosher salt, more to taste. During the Ryukyu Kingdom era, Okinawans commonly cooked sweet potatoes by boiling or steaming them. Okinawan sweet potatoes have beige outer skin and deep, blue-purple flesh. Peel potatoes and slice into fries. My aunt said she dumped some of this crop there a long time ago and it just started growing and propagating from there, said she never really had the heart to dig them out, though. Thanks, Jeff. This root crop is especially happy in warm, sunny environments and thrives well in the tropics, as I stated previously. ~Valentina. Delicious Alternatives To Marshmallows For Sweet Potatoes Unlock Unique Flavours! SO sweet! But the kind we buy must be a lightly different variety as they have purple skin and flesh. Japanese Sweet Potato (Satsumaimo) Just One Cookbook Here's everything you need to know about purple sweet potatoes, including where they get that violet hue, and how to cook and eat them. Being a country girl, what may be easy for me may not be exactly easy for everyone else. Boiling is another option available, but it is discussed in greater detail below. Preheat oven to 425F. Now that we've dealt with that problem, let's talk about Okinawan sweet potatoes, which made their way to China from the New World at some point between 1492 and 1605, when they were first brought over to Japan. It was fun! They instantly elevate the appearance of any dish they are used in. Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving. Otherwise you can order them here. Although the Okinawan sweet potato does not have the same nutritional value as potatoes, it is related to them by virtue of its morning glory status. Mashed Okinawan sweet potato is a popular and easy side dish, which originates from the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Last night she fried up the potato greens Vietnamese style - very tasty. Just give them room to grow, plenty of water and plenty of sun and they should be fine on their own. Step 3 Instead, like other sweet potatoes, they are a part of the morning glory family. The Okinawan variety can be bought online in bulk as well. 1 pounds Okinawan sweet potatoes 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cup half and half 1 teaspoons sea salt freshly ground black pepper to taste Instructions Cut and add the potatoes to a pot of water. Ube, Taro, Bene-Imo: What Do These Roots Have in Common? | TASTE Most of the images displayed are of unknown origin. Boil Okinawan sweet potatoes in a large pot for about 45 minutes. Can you eat Okinawan sweet potato skin? Then it looked like nothing was happening. Once cooked, they have a sweet taste and a creamy texture. These deep purple sweet potatoes were developed by the Decoite family of Molokai, Hawaii in 1978. Enjoy! With distinct purple-ish or reddish color skin, inside the sweet potatoes are creamy white flesh that turns yellow after cooking. The color is stunning! Sweet potatoes grown in the Okinawan Islands can also be grown fairly easily. They are also grown in Hawaii, where they are sometimes called "Hawaiian sweet potatoes." Additionally, lovekitchentoday.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Keep it covered. I love it! If I could find them, I would build an entire meal around them. Id rather have these mashed potatoes than a birthday cake! . Pull out the Okinawan sweet potatoe from the pot, into a large bowl. Okinawa sweet potatoes, so named because they're native to the Japanese island of Okinawa, turn a stunning deep purple when cooked and have a dense, starchy texture. Potatoes, according to studies, have antibacterial and antifungal properties, as well as the ability to regulate blood sugar. Its concentrated sweetness makes them an ideal ingredient for making desserts. Most Asian markets should have them -- and I've heard the SM Farmers Market on Wednesdays has them. These are some of my favorite ways to eat Hawaiian sweet potatoes: Okinawan Sweet Potato Mochi at Kaka'ako Farmers MarketWe spend Saturday mornings at either the Kaka'ako Farmers Market or KCC Farmers Market. Sweet potatoes from Japan are used to make our food.