This sweet potato variety has reddish-purple skin with a flesh that is actually white. Okinawan sweet potatoes, sometimes called Japanese purple potatoes, or Japanese sweet potatoes, are a unique variety of sweet potato which is actually native to the Americas, not Japan, let alone Okinawa. Whether you're mashing, smashing or baking, it's time to get creating with this special spud. According to Herbal Extracts Plus, the Japanese sweet potato is similar to American yams, but tastes sweeter. What are Common Side Dishes for a Thanksgiving Meal. If I they are cooked thoroughly, not problems whatsoever. Known for its vibrant purple color, this root crop is special in so many ways. Keep reading to learn more about the health benefits of the Japanese Sweet Potato. Fresh Japanese Purple Sweet Potatoes,complete details about Fresh Japanese Purple Sweet Potatoes provided by Fresh Japanese Purple Sweet Potatoes in Vietnam. Packed by Phoenix Sweets to 50 g packs. According to Herbal Extracts Plus, the Japanese sweet potato is similar to American yams, but tastes sweeter. It was originally native to America but was brought to Japan between 1492 and 1605. 2 When it eventually made its way to the Hawaiian Islands, brought by the Polynesians, the crop flourished in the rich volcanic soil. Both types have characteristic purple skins. After years of searching the globe, we have finally found a bold challenger to the renowned orange-fleshed varieties. Yams are tubers from the genus Dioscorea, and they are native to Africa. People can be allergic to any kind of protein. I love this veggie! Purple potatoes are the eye-catching gems of the potato aisle. One is the Okinawan sweet potato, which is called beni imo in Japan; it's also known as the Hawaiian sweet potato or uala. Obviously, until you're sure just don't eat it again. The Okinawan sweet potato is so popular that it is attributed to Okinawa’s listing as one of the world’s blue zones. A post shared by HAWAII FOOD ✖️ TRAVEL (@jodifromhawaii). 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. These sweet potatoes have become famous and very distinctive because of their richly colored flesh, which happens to be a vibrant purple, in a marked contrast to the dull tan skins of this produce item. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. When true potatoes entered Europe, Europeans realized that they were entirely different plants, and they created a retronym, “sweet potato” to describe the plants they previously called potatoes. A post shared by Ayoung (@changayoung) on Jul 22, 2019 at 11:01pm PDT. The vast majority of traditional sweet potatoes … The frozen dessert is said to contain the gentle sweetness of purple potato in the ice cream, with the addition of a purple potato sauce giving it the appearance of an adzuki red bean topping you’d usually find on a traditional Japanese sweet. The kiosk is at the basement next to Coffee Hive, and soft serve come in two basic flavours – Japanese purple potatoes from Kumamoto, and Japanese sea salt. He's not had any allergies to any other veggies, but when I added the purple potatoes, he broke out for three days until I suspected the potato. Although it shares the same color as taro, it shouldn’t be confused with Sato Imo. The beni imo, a "super-food" In addition to having this striking color - which comes from the same molecule giving the violet color to blueberries and red cabbage - the Okinawan sweet potato is officially recognized as a "superfood". Some people argue that nothing is going to happen, and if you ate already it, it’s possible that nothing bad is going to happen. Japanese sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) might refer to the alternative common name of a group called boniato potatoes or a specific cultivar of boniato (I. batatas "Japanese"). Lifestyle and diet are two of the major factors that determine their lifespan. Sweet potatoes of all varieties are high in vitamin A, vitamin C and manganese. Also called Murasaki Imo, these purple potatoes from Japan have a long slender oblong shape. Food historians claim that this is not because of the astounding purple color, but rather because these tubers are flavorful, creamy, and high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Because the plant was cultivated well in the country, it became a popular ingredient to many dishes. It is also very easy to prepare. Before we delve into the specifics of the Okinawan sweet potato, we should briefly discuss the great sweet potato vs yam debate, which has been raging ever since potatoes were first brought to Europe. Find more Japanese words at wordhippo.com! Other varieties not pictures are Japanese Sweet Potato (purple skin with creamy white interior) Jewel and Beauregard (both similar in appearance to Garnet). Japanese words for potato include ポテト, 芋, じゃが芋 and ジャガイモ. Rich and flavoursome. So it's possible. However, this amazing place is not only for fans of, The Okinawan sweet potato is so popular that it is attributed to Okinawa’s listing as one of the world’s. Japan - Semba Purple Potato Powder. The delicate flavours and beautiful purple hue are said to create a luxurious and memorable dessert. I think it happens mostly with the tTaro leaves though and only when they were underdone and not cooked well enough. The striking purple color of the sweet potato comes from the same element that gives the violet color to red cabbage and blueberries. To the person whose tongue and throat was numb - must have been something else that caused the numbness - not the potato. From Hawaii, they have entered the mainland United States, where they are primarily consumed as a novelty food, especially in the case of sweet potato pie, which looks quite lurid when prepared with Okinawan sweet potatoes. Jun 11, 2020 - Daigakuimo is purple sweet potato Japanese snack. The other is Stokes Purple, a name patented by a North Carolina farmer around 2006. Sweet potato soup, served during winter, consists of boiling sweet potato in water with rock sugar and ginger. Purple sweet potato Purple sweet potatoes have recently been in the media spotlight. However, I find I break out it vicious hives if I'm not careful as to cook them long enough. Although it shares the same color as taro, it shouldn’t be confused with Sato Imo. Hong Kong franchise Small Potatoes Ice Creamery, specialising in Japanese purple potatoes soft serve ice cream, has opened at Novena Square 2. The Japanese realized that this tuber could make a very useful crop, as it is extremely hardy and well equipped to deal with the sometimes mercurial weather in Japan. Vietnam, China, Japan, India and Indonesia are the biggest producers of Japanese sweet potatoes. I used it in a vegetable soup. You may also find other Fresh Japanese Purple Sweet Potatoes related selling and buying leads on 21FOOD.COM. Like many other aspects of Japanese cuisine, Okinawan sweet potatoes came to Hawaii, where they are a cornerstone of Hawaiian cuisine. Just like other sweet potatoes, it also has a low glycemic index which makes it an amazing choice for people suffering from diabetes and those watching their weight. Sweet Potato Try purple gnocchi. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. According to Professor Craig Wilcox who has studied that Okinawan diet for the last decade, the brilliant health of people can be attributed to the sweet potato. I have had a strange reaction to eating the Okinawan Purple Sweet Potato. Due to its dense flesh and low moisture content, it is best to bake these types of purple potatoes at a low temperature and longer than orange or white sweet potatoes. If you find a Russet potato (or a variety other than purple potatoes) with purple spots or veins, while the rest of the potato is white, I would say that it’s not a good idea to eat it. The purple sweet potato goes by a few names, and there are two common varieties. These are great. Copyright © 2020 Breaking Asia ® | All Rights Reserved. They talk about the Okinawan sweet potato being introduced in Hawai'i, which it was. Okinawa is one of the best places to go on a food adventure. Taro has a whiter appearance and has a different texture that Beni Imo. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Then, it is ready to be served as an appetizer or dessert. The DNA has been tested and they originally came from Peru. The Okinawas purple sweet potato also has a high potassium content, as well as antifungal and antibacterial properties. Product Details. D. alata, called "white yam", winged yam, water yam, and purple yam (not to be confused with the Okinawan purple "yam", which is a sweet potato), was first cultivated in Southeast Asia. Okinawa is one of the best places to go on a food adventure. Aside from Japan, it can also be widely found in Hawaii where it is known as Uala. Prohibit unauthorized theft and re-upload of this video. However, Japanese yams have a stouter, rounded shape as opposed to an elongated one. The name Daigaku Imo means University Potato because this snack were sold to pay for students fee. Generally a little harder to find than other types of sweet potatoes, purple sweet potatoes can be prepared in a number of different ways. Lifestyle and diet are two of the major factors that determine their lifespan. Taro or Kalo has oxalic acid, which, if you don't properly cook the root or leaves long enough can cause an itchy throat. - one of the yummiest and most nutrient-dense foods you can eat. You may see them called tamai kuru or beni imo in Japan. Never lose a recipe again, not even if the original website goes away!Use the Copy Me That button to create your own complete copy of any recipe that you find online. In the picture left to right: New Jersey Sweet Potatoes (aka White Sweet Potato, aka Yellow Jersey) Purple Sweet Potato (aka Stokes Purple) and Garnet Sweet Potato (these are colloquially known as yams in the US). They are commonly eaten on the Japanese island of Okinawa, which is home to an exceptionally healthy elderly population – with a large number over the age of 100, and rates of dementia reported to be … Yes, Polynesians were voyaging around the Pacific long before Columbus landed in the Americas. Hi everyone! Even celebrities like Queen of Canto-pop Sammi Cheng raved about her skin looking radiant after trying the mighty potato. Also known as Murasaki Imo, which means “purple potato” in Japanese, there are several varieties of Japanese purple sweet potato including Purple Sweet Lord and … This superfood can also help people with blood sugar regulation issues. Although not grown in the same quantities as the African yams, it has the largest distribution worldwide of any cultivated yam, being grown in Asia, the Pacific islands, Africa, and the West Indies. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Actually, I fed my nine month old baby purple potatoes. 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. The hardy plant grew well in Japan and quickly became popular in a variety of Japanese dishes. Angela Rippon and Dr Chris van Tulleken investigated the Japanese diet … Okinawa only became part of Japan in 1879, when the Ryūkyū Kingdom was formally annexed by Japan and turned into the Okinawa Prefecture of Japan. Found in every restaurant, street stall, or convenience store, treats made from Beni Imo prove that the special potato is considered as a celebrity in its own right in this Japanese region. However, Polynesians, including Hawaiians, have had over 40 varieties and colors of sweet potato for hundreds of years before outside contact. Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the What are Sweet Potatoes? Other blue zones in the world are Ogliastra, Sardinia in Italy, Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, and Icaria in Greece, among others. -CTaira, Wikibuy Review: A Free Tool That Saves You Time and Money, 15 Creative Ways to Save Money That Actually Work. Murasaki sweet potatoes (also known as Japanese sweet potatoes) first originated in Louisiana, developed by the Louisiana State University’s Sweet Potato Research Station in the early 2000s. It is possible you're allergic to it, people can have reactions to just about anything. but a Hawaiin farm will ship to the United States. According to Professor Craig Wilcox who has studied that Okinawan diet for the last decade, the brilliant health of people can be attributed to the sweet potato. Sweet and filling! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These golf ball-sized potatoes are especially popular in South America, originating in Peru and Bolivia, and they can reach a slightly larger size if allowed to reach full maturity. Highly nutritious. Sweet potatoes are not related to taro so it should not be causing the same problem. Roughly in the same era that the Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown and annexed by the USA (1894 - 1898). Okinawan Purple Potatoes are a bit different from other varities, check out this video review here. Hawaii and Japan provide the best growing conditions for the Beni Imo thanks to its rich volcanic soil. See more ideas about Purple sweet potatoes, Sweet potato, Sweet. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and Other blue zones in the world are Ogliastra, Sardinia in Italy, Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, and Icaria in Greece, among others. These refer to regions where individuals live long lives, with people mostly reaching over 90 and 100 years old. They are also not related to potatoes, which are in a separate plant genus, Solanum. All you need is to boil it and cut it into chunks. He broke out in hives. The trend of referring to some sweet potatoes as “yams” emerged in the American South, where growers started referring to soft-fleshed sweet potatoes as yams to differentiate them from the firmer, less sweet varieties grown in the North. Japanese Purple Sweet Potato. Confused yet? The Stokes Purple® Sweet Potato packs a full flavour and a smooth texture. It turns out, Okinawans and Hawaiians are not the only ones praising this wonder food. Therefore, instead of naming this dessert a Japanese name, it received the English name “Sweet Potato”, written in katakana スイートポテト. Okinawa was not a part of Japan when the sweet potato was brought from China to Okinawa. Satsuma-imo, Japanese sweet potato, is a sweeter, red or purple-skinned, yellow-fleshed option packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Learn more! It is usually not an allergy but just not cooked long enough. These refer to regions where individuals live long lives, with people mostly reaching over 90 and 100 years old. Where did they get them? Despite being present in Hawaii, it is usually uncommon to find it in US supermarkets and farmer’s markets in other states. The purple potato comes with special names, such as purple majesty, purple viking and purple Peruvian, and is usually available all year long. The issue with yams, sweet potatoes, and potatoes began when sweet potatoes were first brought to Europe, and called potatoes. The Okinawan sweet potato quickly entered popular Japanese cuisine, where it is used in tempura, mashed and served with a variety of foods, and even integrated into pastries. The purple yam (ube) is a starchy root vegetable that’s a great source of carbs, … When you’re in the archipelago, it would be a disgrace not to try their famous Okinawa purple sweet potato or Beni Imo. With around 4,000 varieties of potatoes to choose from, there should be a kind of potato to suit everyone’s taste. Okinawan sweet potatoes can be used in a wide assortment of dishes, and they are especially popular in Japan and Hawaii. Who knows, allergies are strange like that. The plant grows in many parts of Okinawa, mostly in Yomitan Village located on the west coast. that it has been the go-to food of the people for a long time since it is very cheap to produce and easy to grow. While the Okinawan purple sweet potato is harder to find and more expensive than its other counterparts, it’s something you should try at least once in your life. The Japanese sweet potato is a red- or purple-skinned, yellow-white fleshed potato that belongs to the Ipomea batata botanical family. Okinawan sweet potatoes, sometimes called Japanese purple potatoes, or Japanese sweet potatoes, are a unique variety of sweet potato which is actually … If you’re from the US or Europe, it may be more difficult to get your hands on this superfood, In the meantime, you can reward yourself with Okinawan purple sweet potato-flavored treats like chocolate and chips. Potatoes (also called spuds) are also one of the most versatile root vegetables. He shared that it has been the go-to food of the people for a long time since it is very cheap to produce and easy to grow. This superfood is rich in fiber and is also loaded in vitamin C and vitamin A. Satsumaimo has purple-ish or reddish color skin … I had a numbness of my tongue and throat. Today they are primarily grown in California. Vietnam, China, Japan, India and Indonesia are the biggest producers of Japanese sweet potatoes. It turns out, Okinawans and Hawaiians are not the only ones, If you’re from the US or Europe, it may be more difficult to get your hands on this superfood, In the meantime, you can reward yourself with Okinawan purple sweet potato-flavored treats like, Live your K-Pop Fantasy: 5G Opens World of Possibility, Musicians Mimic Ghosn Escape by Squeezing Into Instrument Cases. 3. Antioxidants are important to help against cancer and cardiovascular disease. Sweet potatoes are in the genus Ipomoea, and they are native to the New World. In this video I show you how to make fluffy purple sweet potato buns. Okinawa was invaded by the Satsuma Clan in 1609. So easy to cook (just bake in the oven, wrapped in aluminum if you want even cooking) and makes a great snack/breakfast. Japanese purple sweet potatoes are botanically classified as Ipomoea batatas and are members of the Convolvulaceae or morning glory family. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This superfood is rich in fiber and is also loaded in vitamin C and vitamin A. My friend has a son who is literally allergic to his own sweat. He. Purple sweet potatoes are a type that has a light purple skin and a deep purple flesh. Seeking info on the Okinawa sweet potato which has a light skin, thin purple corona under the skin, and a light golden interior. More information exciting challenge of being a wiseGEEK researcher and writer. Nutrition. Ah, sweet potatoes. "All Blue" is the purple potato used to make one brand of purple potato chips. A documentary has claimed purple sweet potato can help you live until 100. Learn more about how we use cookies by reviewing our Privacy Policy. Perfect for baking bread and other confectioneries such as cookies. Many people prefer it not only because of its sweeter taste, but also its antioxidant level which is 150 percent higher than blueberries. Aug 3, 2016 - Explore Jennefer McLean's board "Japanese Purple sweet potato" on Pinterest. The Japanese sweet potato is a red- or purple-skinned, yellow-white fleshed potato that belongs to the Ipomea batata botanical family. Although it looks alike, its flavor profile also differs significantly since Beni Imo is very sweet and has a creamy texture, which is why locals usually eat it as a dessert. It's free! "Blue Tomcat," a late-maturing potato with blue flesh and dark blue skin, has oblong tubers. A post shared by HAWAII FOOD ✖️ TRAVEL (@jodifromhawaii) on Aug 4, 2019 at 9:43am PDT. The striking purple color of the sweet potato comes from the same element that gives the violet color to red cabbage and blueberries. Has anyone else had this type of reaction? Sweet potatoes can be an allergen. However, this amazing place is not only for fans of Japanese food, but also for lovers of healthy food options. Sweet potatoes such as the Japanese sweet potato (which has red skin) and Hannah sweet potato are actually not ‘true’ potatoes. To the person with the strange reaction, now I have no idea if Taro is related to the Okinawa Potato, but I have heard some people say taro root has given their tongue and throat a strange reaction. First, it's very rich in fiber. its called hawaiin potato or okinawan potato, originally from south america, brought over to japan around 1605. What are the Medicinal Uses of Dioscorea Villosa? But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. . The Okinawan and Hawaiian root vegetable has surpassed the popularity of ordinary yams. Or it could be something you put on the potato or cooked with it, or maybe it's possible there was a pesticide used on it that you're having a reaction to. spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors. These cookies do not store any personal information. We usually do not eat sweet potato or their leaves raw. They have a taste very similar to the more common orange sweet potatoes but are generally believed to have more potent antioxidant properties. When walking in the streets of Okinawa, it’s impossible to miss the vibrant purple-colored foods such as cakes, ice cream, or pies. Disclaimer. Japanese sweet potatoes bear a slight resemblance to Purple Stokes.