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The difference between sweet potato and potato is in many ways. These plants that bear fruit-tubers are completely different, but at the same time they have external similarities and similar taste qualities. In turn, sweet potato is popular in foreign countries, and potatoes, in contrast, are more in demand in Our Country.
Sweet potatoes are often referred to as sweet potatoes.
Is it the same or not
Sweet potatoes and potatoes are tuberous plants native to the tropical regions of South America. The first culture belongs to the genus Ipomoea (family Bindweed), the second – Nightshade (Solanaceae). Sweet potato, unlike potatoes, is a vine with stems up to 5 m long, which form bushes 15-20 cm high. Its tubers grow on the roots in the process of their development. Potatoes, on the other hand, have a hard and long stem up to 100 cm in height. The difference between tubers is that they are modified shoots that grow from the underground part of the stem and do not belong to the roots.
How to tell a sweet potato from a potato
The difference between sweet potato and potato lies in the taste, appearance of the bushes, the color of the fruit under the skin. It is not difficult to determine their differences; it is enough to make an incision or take a sample.
The difference between tubers is in size, the first grows several times larger
Composition and calories
If you compare potatoes and sweet potatoes in terms of composition, you can see that they have some similarities. They contain approximately the same amount of minerals (iron, calcium, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, potassium) and vitamins (A, B, C, E, K).
The nutritional value of the products is identical, although, according to experts and nutritionists, sweet potatoes are healthier than potatoes, as they contain more carbohydrates. In addition, the difference between the culture lies in the increased content of beta-carotene, which forms vitamin A in the body. This means that it strengthens vision more strongly, gives health to hair, skin and bones. In 100 g of sweet potato, 170% of beta-carotene from the required intake per day. As for calorie content, in potatoes this indicator is 80 kcal, and in sweet potato – 86 kcal.
The difference in the nutritional value of tubers:
| Sweet potato (100 g) | Potatoes (100 g) |
Proteins | 1,57 g | 2,02 g |
Carbohydrates | 20,12 g | 17,79 g |
Fats | 0,05 g | 0,09 g |
According to the glycemic index
Sweet potatoes contain a lot of starch and sugar, but, unlike regular potatoes, are characterized by a lower glycemic index. It is accompanied by a small insulin response and can be used by patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Unlike potatoes, the index of which, depending on the variety, varies from 60 to 90 units, in it this indicator is about 55.
By taste
The sweet potato or sweet potato has a difference in flavor to the regular potato. It can be eaten raw. Dessert varieties have a rich sweet taste comparable to pumpkin, banana or melon. Vegetable varieties resemble frozen potatoes. While the usual tuber has a salty-starchy taste and needs to be cooked before use. When cooked, its texture becomes loose and soft.
According to the characteristics of cultivation
Sweet potato is mainly grown in areas and regions with a hot climate. Its difference is unpretentious care, even in the warm season it practically does not need watering. On the territory of Our Country, it is planted in seedlings, because for a short summer period the tubers do not have time to form a new crop. Planting material does not tolerate low temperatures at all, which is why it is planted only after warm weather stabilizes outside and the threat of night frosts completely passes. Sweet potatoes are planted in rows at intervals of 60 to 90 cm, with a distance of 30 cm between plants. Harvest before the temperature drops below 10 ° C.
The difference between ordinary potatoes is that it grows in cooler conditions, and at temperatures above 28 ° C it stops developing altogether. It is planted with tubers, which are laid out in a warm place for sprouts to appear 10-15 days before the planned planting work. The culture is planted in the soil when it warms up to 6 ° C, at a distance of 35 cm from each other. The interval between rows is maintained at half a meter. The plant needs regular watering and preventive measures to prevent diseases and repel pests. Potato harvesting begins towards the end of summer, but some varieties can be dug up as early as July.
By application
Potatoes and sweet potatoes can be used for human consumption as well as livestock feed. Both cultures for this purpose have special varieties with not very pronounced taste characteristics. The difference between sweet potato is that it can be used for cooking sweet dishes.
Table varieties of plants have a rich taste
In appearance
Externally, the cultures are also slightly different. Sweet potato is a fairly large orange or red tubers. On the cut, the fruits have a pale carrot color. Their shape is usually oblong. The difference between potatoes is much smaller. Its shape is rounded, the surface is uneven, covered with eyes. The peel of the fruit can have a different color and, depending on the variety, it is pink, brown, yellow, red. On the cut, the tuber is yellow or white.
Which is healthier: sweet potato or potato
Since the sweet potato difference is more beneficial, it is recommended to use it in baby food. Toddlers are more likely to eat sweet foods, so they love various soups and mashed potatoes with this culture. In addition, desserts are prepared with it: pies, mousses, chips and even sweets. As for ordinary potatoes, it is present in the recipes of everyday first and second courses. The fruit is combined with almost all vegetables, meat, chicken.
Both cultures have useful qualities, and each is of value for health. But sweet potato wins in this regard. It improves digestion, strengthens the immune system, helps the brain function, improves mood, and is useful for diseases such as:
- stomach ulcer;
- insomnia;
- bronchial asthma;
- arthritis;
- cold.
Sweet potatoes have proven themselves as a prophylactic against osteoporosis and oncological pathologies.
Sweet potato or potato for weight loss
For those people who are trying to lose weight, sweet potato is definitely better than potatoes. With it, there are many recipes for dietary dishes, many arrange fasting days on it. But eating potatoes during a diet is not recommended.
Conclusion
The difference between a sweet potato and a potato is mainly in its taste, as well as its origin. According to the botanical description, these cultures are completely different. They are not related to each other by anything other than a common name. Converge with each other only identical composition and individual characteristics.