Okinawan Sweet Potato Haupia Pie - Today's Delight The Hawaiian sweet potato (also known as the Okinawan sweet potato) is a staple food in Hawaii. Fluff up the insides and eat with a fork. No forks or spoons required, justeasy-to-pick-up party foods, so you can clean up in no time. How To Cook Okinawan Sweet Potato? - Brady's Landing The heat caramelizes their natural sugars (a dish called yaki imo in Japanese). With distinct purple-ish or reddish color skin, inside the sweet potatoes are creamy white flesh that turns yellow after cooking. Purple Sweet Potato Croquettes at Pioneer SaloonPioneer Saloon is a popular plate lunch (with a Japanese twist) spot with two locations in Honolulu. Two are made with regular potatoes, and two are made with purple sweet potatoes. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Harvesting Sweet Potatoes: Timing Is Everything, The Shelf Life Of Diced Sweet Potatoes: Tips For Proper Storage And Food Safety, The Sweet And Nutty Difference: Japanese And Purple Sweet Potatoes. Drain. Okinawan purple sweet potatoes are unique and delicious, with a honey-like sweet flavor. These creatures will go bad if they become soft and soggy, and if their skin turns brown or black. Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving. Transfer all of your mashed Okinawan sweet potatoes onto a food mixer and add all the other ingredients except butter. Its concentrated sweetness makes them an ideal ingredient for making desserts. 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. 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. Place the sweet potatoes on a tivet. These deep purple sweet potatoes were developed by the Decoite family of Molokai, Hawaii in 1978. Boil sweet potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Choose one that feels heavy. Wrap the potato in a damp paper towel and place it on a plate, microwave it for 3-5 minutes on each side. Another popular dish is daigaku imo, where they are diced into cubes, deep-fried till crispy, glazed in a sweet sugary syrup, and finished with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds. I'm going to ask my contact at Melissa's Produce and get back to you with his response. Purple sweet potatoes have three times the amount of anthocyanins as blueberries. Just by looking at the fruit, you would think it is ridiculous to call it the purple sweet potato. If they are elongated and have a lot of roots, they probably have too much fiber. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop this recipe:"; Available from late August through late spring, the Stokes Purple sweet potatoes, with a purple-tinted skin and bold purple flesh, have a drier, denser texture, and better-balanced sweetness than their orange counterparts. Arrange on a platter, cover with foil, and put in a 200 oven to keep warm. They look like normal sweet potatoes on the outside, but the interior is magenta to purple, and the color deepens with cooking. Id rather have these mashed potatoes than a birthday cake! The sweet and wonderful aroma fills the air. So happy you found the Okinawan sweet potatoes. Beautiful! It's related to sweet potatoes and roots like taro, but different. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions with a more consistent temperature which so unlike the four seasons commonly experienced here in the states. After only a few bites he said, "These are the best sweet potatoes I ever had." Typical foods in the Okinawa diet include a variety of sweet potatoes, soy, bitter melon (goya), shiitake mushrooms, burdock, jasmine tea, seaweed, and an array of herbs and spices like moringa and turmeric . If you havent tried it before, you should give it a try. Love the look of them for a change and have them already on my next list !!! The Okinawan sweet potatoes are so nutritious that they even became Hollywood famous. This Okinawan sweet potato was never really known in the US until the early years of 2000 when it started being available in the market. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Wow! Realistically speaking, however, finding online sellerswho are growing their own from the crop itself is fairly easy. 4 pounds Okinawa (purple) sweet potatoes or white sweet potatoes, scrubbed, Char Siu Roasted Cauliflower (Bng Ci Trng Nng v X Xu), Weeknight Vegetable Stir-Fry (Rau Xo Thp Cm), Cucumber, Kale, and Spiced Cashew Salad (Gi Dua Leo Chay), This Is Us Showrunners Silver Lake Home Is a Modern Take on Classic California Style, Youll Get the Biggest Tax Refund If You Live In This State (Hint: Its in the West! How To Make Baked Okinawan Sweet Potatoes | TheMamaReport.com Posted on Published: July 24, 2020- Last updated: August 21, 2020, Homepage Places to Eat in Hawaii Hawaiian Sweet Potato. You don't find a lot of white or beige food in nature. Are sweet potatoes healthy? Izu is a regular vendor, offering an assortment of fresh mochi by the piece. The typical size is 250-350 g (9-10 oz). 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. Boil potatoes for 30 minutes or until soft (will turn dark purple), then drain. 99% of the time when people mention "Hawaiian Sweet Potato," they're actually referring to "Okinawan Sweet Potato" (more on that below) and not the "original" Hawaiian Sweet Potato described above. It is believed that in the 1400s, the Spaniards brought the purple sweet potatoes from the Aztec Empire to the Phillipines, and then on to China. Not only are these beautiful and incredibly delicious -- they're also full of nutrients. After the water boils, let the mixture simmer on low, uncovered for 15 minutes. ~Valentina. It is most popular in Asian countries, though here in the US, it is better known as the Hawaiian sweet potato. SO sweet! It's a wonderful dessert that combines Vietnamese ch (sweet soups/desserts) and Hawaii's love for tapioca puddings. Their flesh is a deep purple and their skin has a light, purple hue. Think of a regular potato, but deeper in flavor and also sweeter in tastealmost like there is a soft honey note. See details. Especially food in Hawaii. Because I absolutely love it, I am going to teach you how to cook Okinawan sweet potato. Sweet potatoes belong to the same family as morning glory (Convolvulaceae), while potatoes are considered a type of nightshade (Solanaceae). amzn_assoc_asins = "B088X3CS5V,B00004OCL9,B0884184MX,B07LDVQKYX"; Looks good to me! Drain. Cook and work with them they way you would a regular potato. When was Japan known as the home of sweet potatoes? They're slightly more dense, creamy in texture, and has a rich fullness. What a great find. I loved that movie, and it must have been such a fun movie to cook around. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; We have an old water well in the country, and these Okinawan sweet potatoes are like vines climbing all over that well. Peel the Okinawan sweet potatoes and chop into 1 inch cubes. How to Cook Purple Sweet Potatoes (7 Methods) 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. The purple sweet potatoes naturally stain the tapioca a brilliant shade of purple. It is very funny, really, because you will never really know what it is unless you figure out what the person you are talking to might know it as. It is not a replacement or substitute for professional medical advice and/or treatment. Hawaiian sweet potato (also known as Okinawan sweet potato) is an important ingredient in Hawaii cuisine. Lots of families make them at home (I'll post a recipe soon). Note, it will take less time if you cut the sweet potatoes in smaller pieces. High in complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, they provide a good source of energy. Used in both savory and sweet dishes, Japanese sweet potato or Satsumaimo has a deep magenta skin and creamy pale flesh. The primary nutritional benefit of sweet potatoes grown in southern Japan is their high antioxidant content. All varieties of sweet potatoes are good for you but these purple-skin tubers do have higher concentrations of specific vitamins and nutrients. I can definitely say Ive never seen these potatoes! It was fun! Boil Okinawan sweet potatoes in a large pot for about 45 minutes. I will need to keep my eyes open at our market to see if I can find some of these amazing sweet potatoes! We'll steam several at a time and save leftovers for breakfast the next morning. (Wishing I had a coconut tree!) Make your life simple and easy, use a food grinder. Okinawan purple sweet potatoes have white skin encasing deep purple centers. Enjoy and thanks so much! Blend well. What Is Carpaccio and How Do You Make It? For fries, cook at 400 to 425F for 20-25 minutes, after tossing with olive oil and seasonings. The sweet potatoes were then introduced to Okinawa in the early 1600s by Noguni Sokan. (Should it happen to be on the menu.) They come insmall to medium sizes and are generally rounder with tapered ends. Prick sweet potatoes with a fork and boil until tender when pierced, 30 to 35 minutes. Mash by hand for a chunkier texture, or puree with a mixer for a smooth consistency. Nothing beats the warmth of a freshly roasted Japanese sweet potato when the weather turns cool. Copyright 2023 S Media International Corporation. I love the contrasting saltiness of the ingredients against the natural sweetness of the Okinawan sweet potatoes. They will turn darker as they bake. Because of its strange history, the history of Stokes purple is as bizarre as it is delicious. Okinawan sweet potatoes have beige outer skin and deep, blue-purple flesh. At first, I couldn't find any recipes, and had a hard time finding a way to cook them that didn't leave them hard and dry. Sometime during the 1600s, the potatoes made their way to Okinawa, the southern island of Japan. Offers may be subject to change without notice. There are Asian markets that still make it, but Hawaiian sweet potatoes are also popular in the United States. They were brought to Hawaii by sugar plantation workers from Japan in the early 1900s, and their popularity has only grown since then. She has nearly 7 years experience writing news and lifestyle content. The first planting of the Okinawan sweet potato variety took place in Japan in the 1600s, when it was discovered that it originated in South America. Up your sweet potato fry game with this innovative recipe. Let the potato cool for a few minutes before eating. The potatos purple flesh is creamy and sweet, with notes of honey. On a baking sheet, (lined with foil for easy clean-up if you wish) prick sweet potatoes all over with a fork. Slightly more dense than other potatoes, when mashed with a couple added ingredients, the result is super rich and creamy. Sweet potatoes from the Philippines are firm and have a sweeter flavor than sweet potatoes from the Philippines. Intrigued? The beautiful purple flesh is especially popular in desserts. The only caveat is that we prefer to cook with clear glass rather than caution. Meet the Newest Trend: Butter Candles, Catfish: A Rich Soul Food Tradition With West African Roots. Fast and reliable. Purple skin sweet potatoes, in addition to being high in vitamins and nutrients, may be beneficial to you because of the specific vitamins and nutrients they contain. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); and I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. Get easy-to-follow, delicious recipes delivered right to your inbox. 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. Prick sweet potatoes with a fork and boil until tender when pierced, 30 to 35 minutes. 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. They are related to the orange sweet potato, but they are in fact members of the morning glory family. I consider them a delicacy. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Then it looked like nothing was happening. There are many ways to cook purple sweet potatoes, but the healthiest way is to steam them. The Okinawan sweet potatoes have a beige colored skin but a violet-purple flesh. They are also a good source of potassium and manganese. It is critical to look for specimens with taut, unblemished skin and plump, firm flesh. Fibers can help you maintain your weight, not to mention lowering the risks of constipation and colon cancer, as well as any other disease that may be associated with an unhealthy digestive tract. The antioxidants in these potatoes, including those that protect against cancer and blood pressure, are known as anthocyanins, and many of their health benefits stem from their high levels of these substances. * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. They flavor of an Okinawan sweet potato (Hawaiian Sweet Potato) is mildly sweet with notes of honey. How do you boil an Okinawan sweet potato? A couple of dozen Okinawan sweet potatoes, some as big as a small football. Hi Ted. Sweet potatoes grown in the island are similar to potatoes grown in other parts of the world. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. In addition to being high in antioxidants, sweet potatoes from the nigland region are high in fiber, which aids in blood vessel and artery health. ~Valentina. Lay fries out in a single layer and sprinkle salt over. Add all of the butter and cheese, with the salt and pepper to taste. The vibrantly beautiful and nutritious Okinawan sweet potato is loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients, and health-promoting fiber. Even when I started going to the university, she would always make sure theres one in the house for me when I get home during semester breaks. If you want to make purple yams, I usually nuke them for 20 minutes, then rinse the paper towel halfway through. Japanese sweet potatoes are different from Okinawan sweet potatoes, which have striking purple flesh, although both are considered staple diets of Okinawa. Why do we not boil sweet potatoes? It is possible to retain up to 92% of the nutrient by limiting the amount of time spent cooking by boiling a pot in a tightly sealed lid for 20 minutes. Sweet potatoes are popular throughout Japan, and vendor carts carrying them are common at shrines and temples, as well as various food markets. Most Asian markets should have them -- and I've heard the SM Farmers Market on Wednesdays has them. It's harder to find on the mainland, but you may have some luck at Japanese or Chinese markets. Sweet potatoes are a sweet, starchy root vegetable with purple skin and flesh that is yellow to white in color. The air fryer cooks purple sweet potatoes perfectly. It is absolutely my favorite! Sweet potatoes that have been boiled retain more beta-carotene than those that have been baked or fried, making them more absorbable. One of Okinawas most popular desserts, and souvenirs, are Beni Imo Tarts, also called Purple Sweet Potato Tarts. Arrange the sweet potatoes on the trivet, larger sweet potatoes and big round ends near the bottom, smaller ones on top, and then lock the lid. I use seasonal whole foods to create unique and comforting recipes for casual entertaining. Much healthier. RoastRub the outside skin with a bit of olive oil and salt, then roast in the oven for 45 minutes. Okinawa sweet potatoes are often confused with purple yams, another tuber popular in Okinawa and throughout Southeast Asia. They are also filling and packed with nutrients. It makes an awesome snack and even an awesome meal. Drain well. Pierce the potato with a fork to check for doneness. Boil sweet potatoes in water for about 45 minutes, or until soft. ~Valentina. They're located in Maui, but lucky for those of us on other islands, they ship and sell to other markets. People ask what my favorite dessert is and I always say Okinawan sweet potatoes I always get a blank response! Delicious sweet potatoes are plump and thick and have a bright crimson color. Vintage-cover posters, coffee mugs, jigsaw puzzles, tote bags, and more. If you're looking for a simple recipe to simplify your weeknight, you've come to the right place--easy dinners are our specialty. You are probably thinking that this is a useless recipe but I will be teaching you how to make it with a twist that can your buttered and boiled Okinawan sweet potato very delicious, and a good substitute for dinner! Let natural release for 15 minutes. I love purple too, Mimi. It's quite stunning! Peel and quarter the potatoes. Here is the best Kanto food to try as you explore the area for a taste of life in Gunma! Mash the purple potatoes while adding in coconut milk and cinnamon powder to taste. Purple Sweet Potato Tapioca - Onolicious Hawaii Okinawan Sweet Potatoes Recipe - Mostly Asian, Thoroughly American Home They have a mildly sweet flavor, and a very dry, starchy texture. Sweet potatoes from the Pacific island of Okinawa are used to make our sweet potato. Most importantly, they're just so onolicious! Most of the images displayed are of unknown origin. We live in Honolulu and my wife grows Okinawan sweet potatoes in her garden. Recipe here. Melanie Fincher is a Birmingham, Alabamabased food writer who covers everything from cooking techniques to gadget reviews. Gluten-Free Okinawan Sweet Potato Crunch - Down to Earth There are endless ways to cook purple sweet potatoes. Exploring The Potential Risks And How To Enjoy It Safely, Unlocking The Prebiotic Potential Of Sweet Potatoes: Exploring The Health Benefits Of Eating Prebiotic Foods, The Benefits And Risks Of Feeding Sweet Potato Peelings To Your Rabbit. 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt. The . They are also a great source of vitamins (especially vitamin A), minerals, potassium, iron, and copper. And stay in touch with me on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram. The potato is done when it is soft to the touch. Hi Kathrynne, Thanks so much for writing in. Drain and then mash the potatoes. Okinawan Sweet Potato was brought to Hawaii via Japanese and Okinawan immigrants during the sugar plantation era of the 1800s. They are high in minerals such as copper and dietary fiber, as well as vitamins A, C, and manganese. Okinawan sweet potatoes have beige outer skin and deep, blue-purple flesh. These purple sweet potatoes have plenty of other nutritional benefits too. The Spaniards then brought them to the Philippines, and then to China in the 1490s. The Japanese sweet potato is easily substituted for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes in almost any recipe or application. Fold in the sour cream, yogurt, honey and salt to taste. Dont be confused with the name, it is really buttered and boiled. Here's how to make it at home. Your email address will not be published. I wish I'd rather have potatoes than cake. Peel sweet potatoes and simmer them in water until they are very tender, about 20 minutes. Enjoy! Pull out the Okinawan sweet potatoe from the pot, into a large bowl. However, Okinawa sweet potatoes contain 150% more antioxidants than blueberries, which makes them a powerful cancer-fighting superfood. Purple sweet potatoes contain so much ORAC in their raw form that they have a high ORAC value. I adore purple sweet potatocreamy, beautiful and healthful! Purple sweet potatoes will last between one to two weeks when stored in a cool, dry place one that's warmer than the fridge temperature and cooler than room temperature. Share this: For Chefs & Produce Managers. I highly recommend ripening them for at least 1 to 2 weeks after you bring them home. The Okinawan variety can be bought online in bulk as well. 4 pounds Okinawa (purple) sweet potatoes or white sweet potatoes, scrubbed. Makes 12 servings. It has a rich creamy taste that is very unlike regular potatoes. Please read my. I mean . Lisa Romerein. Fortunately, producing Okinawan sweet potatoes here in the country is possible, thanks to states like Florida and California with their really awesome climates which are just about perfect for this potato variety. Sweet potatoes look like a cross between a potato and a yam. To cook okinawan sweet potatoes, first wash them well and then peel the skin off. But keep in mind that they have a shorter lifespan than regular potatoes. Additionally, lovekitchentoday.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. It's basically mashed potatoes, but a sweet version! 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. See details. Because it is a hearty and healthy snack, it can be served as a side dish with a meal. We've had a wet spring and early summer this year, however. Boil the potatoes until they are cooked (about 5 minutes). The Brilliant Secret to Making Better Mashed Potatoes, 65 Super Easy Finger Foods to Make for Any Party. 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. You can also order them here. Middle layer: purple sweet potato filling. Flip once or twice to brown evenly. And cooking the greens sounds wonderful. Sweet potatoes from Japan are typically found in supermarkets. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice. It has yellowish to brown skin which can be very deceiving. Maybe that's what you've had. These foods contain more amylase, which breaks down starches into sugars, making them a more nutritious option. Mashed Okinawan Sweet Potato Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends I love it! Another way is to boil them in water for about 10 minutes and then bake them in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. Jolinda Hackett has written five books about plant-based cooking and has developed hundreds of vegan and vegetarian recipes. Mashed Okinawan sweet potato is a popular and easy side dish, which originates from the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Oh yes, so pretty for Easter -- and they would be fantastic with lamb. Ships from United States. I'm Nami, a Japanese home cook based in San Francisco. Sea salt should be used in this recipe, preferably Hawaiian sea salt if you can find it, but you can use kosher salt. Japanese sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) and true yams (Dioscorea) are not the same. I bet it would be delicious with the coconut milk. The skin of a sweet potato should be pressed around about six to eight times. Blueberries are 200 times more antioxidants than the Okinawan sweet potato. The directions are clearly visible. Purple is my favorite color, so I need to find these! Both markets have a nice mix of prepared savory dishes, snacks, fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and fishand of course, dessert! Step 7 Before serving, some of the ends may be cut off. Consult with your own doctor for information and advice on your specific questions. 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. Mix everything thoroughly. You may need to add some coconut milk or vegan margarine if it needs to be a little creamier. Japanese sweet potatoes are a variety of sweet potato with yellow flesh and dark skin. The skin of the Okinawan sweet potato is a creamy beige, but inside they are vibrantly purple. In Hawaii you can find purple sweet potatoes at most markets and supermarkets. Thanks for visiting. 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. It should have about the same consistency as that of a brownie mix prior to baking. There are numerous ways to prepare a sweet potato meal. The best thing about anthocyanins are they are very good for our blood vessels and arteries, which means having these sweet potatoes in your regular diet entails that you get to maintain superb blood circulation. I hope you enjoy and thank you! I leave a few small chunks, but make them pretty smooth. My name is Ali. Even if the spuds have been baking for two hours, they remain violet. Home Sides Mashed Okinawan Sweet Potato Recipe. It can be avoided completely, but it can be greatly reduced in size. It is faster and easier to cook sweet potatoes than roasting them. Copyright 2022 Onolicious Hawaii. Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving. Here are the Hawaiian purple sweet potatoes in water. These are the three most popular: SteamMy grandma does the steaming method often. It is touted as one of the reasons Okinawans are living active disease-free lives past the age of 100. Put it on a plate, and split it open (as if you were making a regular baked potato. MyRecipes may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Don't worry if the potatoes aren't purple. Crispy Baked Purple Sweet Potato Fries. Sweet potatoes from the nigegan region have a deep, blue-purple flesh as well as beige outer skin. This post may include affiliate links. For whole potatoes, rub with oil and air fry on 400F for 35-40 minutes, or until they are soft. Sweet potatoes grown in the Okinawan Islands can also be grown fairly easily. Take the Okinawan sweet potatoes out of the pot and let it cool. Nutrition facts The nutrition facts for 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of raw sweet potatoes are ( 5 ): Calories: 86 Water: 77% Protein: 1.6 grams Carbs: 20.1 grams Sugar: 4.2 grams Fiber: 3 grams Fat:.