Korean Sweet Potato vs Sweet Potato: Which One is Sweeter and More Nutritious?
Are you curious about the difference between Korean sweet potatoes and regular sweet potatoes?
Both types of tuber are delicious, but have slight variations in taste and texture.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between these two types of potatoes, so you can make an informed decision the next time you are grocery shopping!
What is special about Korean sweet potatoes?
[amazon fields=”B07Q49WQYL” value=”thumb” image=”1″ image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
[amazon fields=”B07Q49WQYL” value=”button”]
Did you know that sweet potatoes are not just one homogeneous color and texture?
In fact, there are many variants of the sweet potato, each with their own unique set of properties.
In this post, we’ll take a look at some special features of Korean sweet potatoes.
First of all, being called “gamja” in Korean, these sweet potatoes are typically shorter and wider than other sweet potatoes.
They also have reddish-brown skin and cream-colored flesh.
Another distinct characteristic of these potatoes is their high sugar content; they can contain up to 25% sugar by weight!
This makes them a popular choice for desserts and snacks.
Additionally, they supposedly have more antioxidants and nutrients than other types of sweet potatoes.
They can be a great addition to your diet, and they are worth checking out if you get the chance.
What is special about sweet potatoes?
[amazon fields=”B079M54HW4″ value=”thumb” image=”1″ image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
[amazon fields=”B079M54HW4″ value=”button”]
Sweet potatoes are native to both North and South America and are often thought of as a southern vegetable.
Sweet potatoes come in different colors, including orange, yellow, white, and purple.
Sweet potatoes are a popular root vegetable that is known for its sweet flavor.
While they are typically eaten cooked, sweet potatoes can also be enjoyed raw.
They can be baked, boiled, or mashed, and they taste great with just a little bit of butter and salt.
They also make a great addition to soups and stews.
However, they are gaining in popularity all over the country because of their great taste and nutritional value.
- They are a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin A.
- The skin of a sweet potato is edible and is rich in nutrients like fiber and potassium, which helps regulate digestion and reduce constipation.
- Sweet potatoes are also high in antioxidants which helps protect the body against disease and promote overall health.
- They also have a lower glycemic index than white potatoes, so they are a good choice if you’re looking for a healthy snack or side dish.
Last but not least, sweet potatoes are available throughout the year, but they are especially good in the fall and winter months.
These are some interesting facts about sweet potatoes that you may not know.
What are the differences between Korean sweet potatoes and sweet potatoes?
There are many similarities between Korean sweet potatoes and regular sweet potatoes, but there are also differences.
In this section, we will focus on the differences first.
Korean sweet potatoes | Regular sweet potatoes | |
Origin | Popular in Korea. | Popular in America. |
Appearance | Short and squat, being half the size of an American sweet potato. The skin is a reddish-brown color, thinner and more delicate. The flesh is white or pale yellow. | Narrower and longer shape. The skin varies from white, orange, purple to red. Have a much deeper orange color than their Korean counterparts. |
Texture | Less starchy texture than regular sweet potatoes. Denser and drier texture, they can be roasted at high heat without turning mushy or browning too quickly. | Higher water content. |
Flavor | Sweeter than other types of sweet potatoes. | More nutty and creamier taste. |
Common uses | Used as dumpling stuffings. Can be enjoyed as a snack (roasted potatoes), and served as a side dish. | Can be boiled, mashed, roasted, grilled. Can be a great addition to soups and stews. |
Nutrient content | Richer in calcium, iron and riboflavin (vitamin B2). | Lower glycemic index than Korean sweet potatoes. |
What are the similarities between Korean sweet potatoes and sweet potatoes?
Besides the notable differences, there are also several similarities between the regular potatoes and their Korean counterparts.
Let’s have a closer look.
For one thing, the taste of Korean sweet potato is very similar to that of the regular variety, but it is slightly sweeter than regular sweet potatoes.
Also, when you eat them raw, their texture is crisp and crunchy, like an apple or watermelon.
Also, both can be baked or boiled with several seasonings added to them, such as butter, honey or brown sugar.
They can also be used to make fries, pie filling, or soup.
And both have health benefits – both sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A, C, B6 and beta-carotene, as well as potassium and fiber.
They are also low in calories.
Which one is better?
[amazon fields=”B07Q49WQYL” value=”title”] | [amazon fields=”B079M54HW4″ value=”title”] |
[amazon fields=”B07Q49WQYL” value=”thumb”] | [amazon fields=”B079M54HW4″ value=”thumb”] |
[amazon fields=”B07Q49WQYL” value=”button”] | [amazon fields=”B079M54HW4″ value=”button”] |
Packed with nutrients and vitamins, Korean sweet potatoes are similar to their American counterparts in appearance and sweet flavor, but they contain some important nutritional differences that could change how you think of sweet potatoes forever.
So if you’re looking for a healthy alternative to white sugar, either type of sweet potato can be a good option!