The Pacific Islands Cookbook


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Sweet Potato  
Sweet potato, Ipomea batatas, is a root crop that is easily grown,  
matures quickly, does not require much space, and tastes good. Besides all  
of this, the leaves are also a very nutritious green vegetable. It is an  
important food for security in the Pacific Islands, since both the edible tuber  
and other planting materials commonly survive hurricanes or cyclones.  
Planting material is made from cuttings of the vine. Cuttings from the  
vine tips are best. The middle or base of the vine can be used, but they often  
produce less. Cuttings should be 12 to 16 inches long. A tuber can also be  
sprouted, cut and planted.  
Select a sunny location. After planting in a hole 6-12 inches deep,  
make a mound of soil around the cutting or piece of tuber. The vines will  
grow up to 18 feet long and root along the length. Tubers are formed  
wherever the roots grow. The main planting spot will be ready for harvest in  
3
to 5 months, but the secondary root locations will take longer.  
The harvested tubers can be stored for a long time if they are treated  
properly. They should be washed and left to dry in the sun for a few days,  
then stored in a cool, dark and dry place. Use any cut or bruised tubers for  
food or replanting as soon as possible.  
Estimated Nutritional Values  
Amount/Serving  
% DV*  
Amount/Serving  
% DV*  
Calories  
344 kcal 17 % Carbohydrate  
1 Gm 2 % Iron  
10 Gm 50 % Calcium  
80 Gm 27 %  
1.8 Mg 10 %  
Total Fat  
Saturated Fat  
Cholesterol  
Sodium  
69 Mg  
7 %  
0 Mg  
0 % Vitamin A  
2 % Vitamin C  
27960 IU 559 %  
56.1 Mg 94 %  
43 Gm  
Protein  
5 Gm 10 %  
*Percent daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet  
Nutritional Values are based on 1 cup cookedYELLOW sweet potato  
Milk:  
0
Veg:  
0
Fruit:  
0
Bread:  
2
Meat:  
0


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