Stokes Purple® sweet potatoes are medium to large in size and are long, cylindrical, and oblong with a somewhat uniform shape. The skin is semi-smooth and brown with many medium-set eyes scattered across the surface.
The flesh is vibrant purple with white and violet striations and is firm with a low moisture content that allows for a drier consistency than most sweet potato varieties. When cooked, Stokes Purple® sweet potatoes offer a dense texture with a well-balanced sweetness as they are less sweet than their orange counterparts.
Seasons/Availability
Stokes Purple® sweet potatoes are available in the late fall through early spring.
Nutritional Value
Stokes Purple® sweet potatoes are extremely high in antioxidants, similar to other purple superfoods like acai, blueberries, and purple corn.
Applications
Stokes Purple® sweet potatoes are best suited for cooked applications such as baking, steaming, or roasting. The flesh is drier than most varieties, so adding one or two tablespoons of liquid to the recipe will achieve a more desirable consistency.
The greater density of the Stokes Purple® sweet potato requires a longer cooking time than other varieties of sweet potato, but when cooked properly the potato will be tender and moist. Serve these purple vegetables steamed and mashed, roasted, or shredded for potato pancakes.
The vibrant color also makes a striking pie, smoothies, or gnocchi. When using baking soda, caution should be taken because it can turn Stokes Purple® sweet potatoes dishes from bold purple to green. Stokes Purple® sweet potatoes will keep for a couple of weeks when stored in a cool and dark place.