What To Know
- Navigating the vast array of sweet potato varieties can be daunting, especially in a region with unique growing conditions like New England.
- Store cured sweet potatoes in a cool, dark place with a temperature between 50-55°F and a relative humidity of 70-80%.
- Whether grown in your own garden or purchased from local markets, sweet potatoes are a versatile and delicious addition to any New England table.
New England’s crisp autumn air and vibrant foliage call for the cozy flavors of fall. Among the season’s culinary delights, sweet potatoes reign supreme, offering a vibrant hue, delectable sweetness, and an abundance of nutrients. Navigating the vast array of sweet potato varieties can be daunting, especially in a region with unique growing conditions like New England. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information to select the best sweet potato for your New England garden or grocery list.
Key Factors to Consider
When choosing the best sweet potato for New England, several key factors should be taken into account:
- Maturity: Sweet potatoes come in early-, mid-, and late-maturing varieties. For New England’s short growing season, early-maturing varieties are recommended.
- Flesh Color: Sweet potatoes range in flesh color from pale yellow to deep orange. Orange-fleshed varieties are typically sweeter and contain higher levels of beta-carotene.
- Skin Color: Skin color can vary from white to purple. Opt for sweet potatoes with smooth, blemish-free skin.
- Shape: Sweet potatoes come in various shapes, including round, oblong, and cylindrical. Choose varieties that are uniform in shape and size for even cooking.
- Disease Resistance: New England’s humid climate can favor certain diseases. Select varieties that are resistant to common diseases like fusarium wilt and black rot.
Recommended Varieties for New England
Based on the aforementioned factors, the following sweet potato varieties are highly recommended for New England gardens and markets:
Early-Maturing Varieties
- Beauregard: A classic orange-fleshed variety that matures in 90-100 days.
- Covington: A white-fleshed variety with a slightly nutty flavor, maturing in 95-100 days.
- Jasper: A high-yielding variety with a deep orange flesh, maturing in 90-95 days.
Mid-Maturing Varieties
- Hannah: A popular orange-fleshed variety with a moist, sweet texture, maturing in 100-110 days.
- Jewel: A cylindrical, purple-skinned variety with a deep orange flesh, maturing in 100-110 days.
- O’Henry: A round, orange-fleshed variety with a smooth texture, maturing in 105-115 days.
Growing Sweet Potatoes in New England
While sweet potatoes can be grown in New England, the short growing season and cool nights can present challenges. Consider the following tips for successful cultivation:
- Start indoors: Start sweet potato slips (young plants) indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
- Choose a sunny location: Sweet potatoes require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Amend the soil: Sweet potatoes prefer well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5.
- Water regularly: Water deeply and consistently, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilize: Fertilize sweet potatoes every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Harvest: Harvest sweet potatoes when the vines have turned brown and the soil temperature has cooled to 50°F.
Storing Sweet Potatoes
Proper storage is crucial to maintain the quality and flavor of sweet potatoes. Follow these guidelines:
- Cure: After harvest, cure sweet potatoes in a warm, humid environment for 7-10 days to develop their skin and prevent spoilage.
- Store in a cool, dark place: Store cured sweet potatoes in a cool, dark place with a temperature between 50-55°F and a relative humidity of 70-80%.
- Avoid refrigeration: Do not store sweet potatoes in the refrigerator, as this can damage their texture and flavor.
Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, offering an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants:
- Vitamin A (beta-carotene): Supports eye health and immune function.
- Vitamin C: An antioxidant that aids in collagen production and immune system support.
- Potassium: Regulates blood pressure and supports muscle function.
- Fiber: Promotes digestive health and satiety.
- Anthocyanins: Pigments found in purple-fleshed varieties that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Wrap-Up: A Taste of Fall’s Bounty
Selecting the best sweet potato for New England requires careful consideration of maturity, flesh color, disease resistance, and growing conditions. By following the recommendations outlined in this guide, you can enjoy the vibrant flavors and nutritional benefits of this autumnal delight. Whether grown in your own garden or purchased from local markets, sweet potatoes are a versatile and delicious addition to any New England table.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time to plant sweet potatoes in New England?
Plant sweet potato slips indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, typically around mid-April to early May.
2. How deep should I plant sweet potato slips?
Plant sweet potato slips 4-6 inches deep in the soil, leaving 1-2 inches of the stem exposed.
3. How do I water sweet potatoes?
Water sweet potatoes deeply and consistently, especially during hot, dry weather. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
4. How long does it take for sweet potatoes to mature?
Early-maturing varieties mature in 90-100 days, while mid-maturing varieties mature in 100-110 days.
5. How do I know when sweet potatoes are ready to harvest?
Harvest sweet potatoes when the vines have turned brown and the soil temperature has cooled to 50°F.
