The work done at No More Empty Pots wouldn’t be possible without our incredible local producers. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on the farms behind our Harvest of the Month, Sweet Potatoes! This week our CSA features White Sweet Potatoes from Grandview Farm in Fremont, NE. For several years we have regularly used their delicious bounty in our CSA's and meals.
Gordon & Susan Miller, owners of Grandview Farms, have been growing produce for 40 years. They specialize in sweet potatoes, asparagus, and cole crops. Their family-owned farm is dedicated to sustainable practices and building a better food system. Not only is their produce delicious, but their kindness and care make the world a better place.
From the Fremont Tribune, we can learn how their farm grew:
“In the late 1970s, Gordon and Susan Miller’s children wanted to earn some spending money. So the Millers planted sweet corn to provide their kids…with jobs. From that idea grew a produce business, called Grandview Farm.”
Check out the article to learn more about the Miller’s Grandview journey. https://keyt.com/cnn-regional/2021/06/20/couples-produce-business-grew-gradually-continues-to-flourish/
Learn about their harvest: White Sweet Potato
White sweet potatoes are a variety of sweet potato characterized by their pale, white-to-cream-colored flesh and, depending on the cultivar, light beige or purplish skin. They offer a unique, milder flavor profile compared to their orange counterparts, often described as nutty or having a hint of chestnut.
Key Characteristics and Culinary Uses
Texture: They are firmer, drier, and more starchy than orange sweet potatoes.
Taste: Less sweet than orange varieties, with a mild, slightly nutty flavor.
Best Uses: Because of their texture, they are ideal for roasting, baking, frying, or mashing.
Versatility: They pair well with savory dishes and are an excellent substitute for white potatoes in dishes like curries or stews.
Appearance: When cooked, the white flesh turns a light golden color.
Common Varieties
Japanese White Sweet Potato (Satsumaimo/Murasaki): Features a purple-red skin with creamy white flesh.
Hannah Sweet Potato: A long, cylindrical, pale skin/tan variety.
Boniato/Batata: Light tan skin with white flesh.
Nutritional Profile
White sweet potatoes are a nutritious root vegetable high in fiber, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and E. While they have significantly less beta-carotene (Vitamin A) than orange sweet potatoes, they are still a very healthy, nutrient-dense choice.
Cooking Tips
Roasting: Roasting at 400°F brings out a unique flavor.
Skin: The skin is soft and edible, so peeling is often unnecessary.
Texture Management: If you find them too dry, they can be easily made creamy by mashing with butter.
Differences from Other Potatoes
Vs. Orange Sweet Potatoes: White ones are less sweet and have a drier, more crumbly texture.
Vs. White (Russet) Potatoes: White sweet potatoes are technically sweeter and more nutritious, often used as a nightshade-free alternative.
