why do sweet potatoes turn black when baked

Black spots can also be caused by rot or mold in addition to rot and mold. Good plant care and sanitation practices should keep a significant amount of sweet potatoes unharmed. There are a few ways to prevent this from happening. Sweet potatoes are classified as either sweet potatoes or sweet potatoes. Ascomycete fungus Ceratocystis fimbriata, caused by the ascomycete fungus Ceratocystis fimbriata, causes black rot in sweetpotato. Sweet potatoes should not be purchased if they have a lot of dark or damaged skin or if they have big, dark spots on their surface. When it smells sour or acidic, you might have a problem. Sweet potatoes can be steamed to retain the most nutrients. However, sweetpotato browningis one common issue that comes as part and parcel of the game. First, cook them properly. Are black frozen potatoes safe to eat? If youre going to be holding them for a couple days, then drop them in cold water and refrigerate it. manna titan water bottle lid replacement Menu Toggle. How can you tell if a sweet potato is rotten? Worrisome as they may seem, sweet potatoes with these spots are still safe to eat. The main cause of sweet potato problems is polyphenol oxidase, an enzyme. I highly recommend you to cook your yam right after you peel to minimize this issue. October 27, 2022 October 26, 2022 by jai. When sweet potatoes are cooked, they sometimes turn black. Sweet potatoes have a high antioxidant value, which means they have 769 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin A in one serving. Potato food should be kept at room temperature and refrigerated in a cool and dark place. If youre not sure whether potato is harmful, simply taste it. Other acids will compete with chlorogenic acid and bind up iron and oxygen, resulting in a loss of iron and oxygen. One reason is that the oxygen in the air causes the sweet potatoes to oxidize, or turn brown. When raw sweet potatoes have been cut, they should be refrigerated and kept in a bowl of cold water. Internal black spots, or "bruising" spots, are caused by potatoes lying against each other for an extended period of time, which is referred to as "bruising potatoes." Sweet potatoes with these spots will not make you sick, as you may be led to believe. They are high in fiber and can be beneficial to your diet. The enzyme reacts with oxygen and turns dark. Secondly, store them in a cool, dry place. It is best to store raw sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and plastic bags are not recommended for raw sweet potatoes. If Sweet Potatoes Turn Brown, Can I Still Eat Them? Why do my cooked sweet potatoes turn black? Three factors can play a role in the brown spots and holes found on unpeeled sweet potatoes. If you follow this process, there shouldnt be an issue in keeping them edible for at least up to five days. Even though brown spots on sweet potatoes arent harmful, they do indicate the sweet potato is nearing the end. And is there anything you can do to prevent it? If you plan to store them for a few days after peeling them, place them in cold water and refrigerate them after the peeling is complete. Sweet potatoes can be skin-sliced and baked, or they can be shredded and served with hash browns or yarakis. How Much Water Do You Need To Add When Cooking Sweet Potatoes In An Instant Pot? Chylosome, mold, or other causes may cause black spots on a sweet potato. Sweet potatoes can be used in a variety of recipes. But why does this happen and is there anything that can be done to prevent it? The potatoes can be sliced into equal-sized cubes or steam whole if done correctly. When boiled with the skins on, sweet potatoes will have an extra fiber and potassium boost, but if you want a smoother mash, peel the potatoes first. That said, I do not recommend consuming sweet potatoes that have shrivels. One of those phenols, called chlorogenic acid, is the culprit that makes sweet potatoes and sometimes, regular potatoes darken when they're cooked. It is used in stir-fries, soups, and tempura. cinder block evaporator arch; mars square midheaven transit There are a few things you can do to prevent your sweet potatoes from turning black. This cream cheese mashed potato casserole shows how much fine German cuisine is found in Pennsylvania. Why did my potatoes turn black after cooking? Before you begin cooking sweet potatoes, make sure they are clean and well scrubbed. Under-cooking sweet potatoes can also cause them to turn black because the cell walls are not broken down and the natural sugars do not have a chance to caramelize. So, you have cut the sweet potato, and something happened and want more time to cook the cut pieces. Furthermore, sweet potatoes are not always orange on the inside; there are a variety of sweet potato varieties with white, yellow, or even purple flesh. How to Reheat Papa Johns Pizza? This phenomenon is not unique to sweet potatoes. Here are five key warning signs that you should be on the lookout for when sweet potatoes become poisonous. If you want to extend the shelf life of your cooked sweet potatoes, freeze them. Combine 1 tea spoon of salt with a bowl of cold water to make the salt. The sweet potatos cortex has a chance of being infected with rot. 1. One method to avoid this is to peel the potatoes, place in water covering the potatoes, remove and slice on a cutting board with a knife that is steel (some blades have iron in them and till will turn the potato dark). Before cooking sweet potatoes, it is not necessary to peel their skins. Is it safe to eat sweet potatoes with black spots? Before peeling sweet potatoes, place them in a bowl or pot of cold water to prevent them from changing color. This process, which is called oxidation, happens because potatoes are a naturally starchy vegetable. One way to stop sweet potatoes from turning black is to store them in a cool, dry place. Another is that the potato was exposed to too much light. Caring For Sweet Potato Vine: A Guide To Watering Fertilizing And Pruning, The Sweetest Harvest: Attracting Animals To Your Garden With Sweet Potatoes, How To Prepare Sweet Potatoes For A Paleo Diet: Roasting Boiling Mashing And Grilling Tips And Recipes, Maximizing The Shelf Life Of Sweet Potatoes: Storing Tips And Tricks, Harvesting Delicious And Nutritious Sweet Potatoes: How To Plant And Store For Maximum Yield, Make Mealtime Creative And Flavorful With Sweet Potato Cauliflower Rice, The Surprising Benefits Of Eating Sweet Potato Skin For Babies, Taste The Difference: Sweet Potato Casserole Vs Candied Yams For The Holidays. blemishes may appear as a result of mold spots or physical damage. Check out this post to learn some helpful tips for recognizing bad sweet potatoes and throwing away inedible ones. Sweet potatoes that are soft and gooey are the best indicators of whether they have gone bad. Second, avoid exposure to oxygen by storing them in an airtight container. Sweet potatoes that have rotted are frequently darker blackish in color. All in all, sweet potatoes are a versatile addition to any meal, and with a few simple tips, you can make sure to choose the freshest ones. One of those phenols, called chlorogenic acid, is the culprit that makes sweet potatoes and sometimes, regular potatoes darken when they're cooked. The black sweet potato is a tuberous root vegetable that is black in color. When potatoes cook after being exposed to iron and chlorogenic acid, the iron reacts with the chlorogenic acid, resulting in this darkening. If the sweet potatoes start turning soft or mushy, they have gone bad. Brownening of sweet potatoes is a common issue that occurs as part of and throughout the game. Second, add an acidic ingredient to the cooking water, such as lemon juice, which will help to keep the sweet potatoes from turning black. If you have any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. The chlorogenic acid combines with iron ions in the potato and oxygen absorbed from the atmosphere and cooking water, creating the dark pigment. It steams the potatoes; the outer skin will be wet and the interior soggy, and the bottom of the potato inside the skin layer will turn dark brown. And when exposed to oxygen, starches turn gray, brown, or even black. If you dont already cut these areas, dont wait until you get home to cook them. In addition to allowing the enzymes responsible for browning to activate, parboiling assists in the oxidation of the vegetable. Do sweet potatoes discolor after peeling? EconoHow (short for How to do things Economically) is designed to help answer unanswered questions in life and group them in meaningful topics. It is possible that sweet potatoes will not be completely ripe when cooked in a pot or oven, but black spots may appear after the potatoes have been removed from the oven or pot. Colcannon is a traditional Irish potato and cabbage dish, which is why it is so special to Irish families. Steps: Preheat oven to 425F. When the phenols come into contact with oxygen, they oxidize and turn black. This can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. If the sweet potatoes have developed an off-odor, toss the tubers in the trash. How can you keep sweet potatoes from turning black after peeling? One of those phenols, called chlorogenic acid, is the culprit that makes sweet potatoes -- and sometimes, regular potatoes -- darken when they're cooked. Although you bring them down to your kitchen, you might not have gotten a chance to cook them. Although you can cut off the dark spots in order to use the rest, you cannot do the same with the ones that have mold growth. Even the smoothest appearing sweet potatoes might be spoiled inside. When slicing they were exposed to air (which will cause them to quickly turn dark). If your sweet potatoes turn brown after cutting them, you may want to reconsider your storage options. Sweet potatoes do not have to be peeled before cooking. Thats the core message of this article. To clean your sweet potatoes, simply run cold water over them in a colander and scrub away any dirt. By selecting the right potatoes, you may be able to avoid black spots. If not, anticipating a prolonged lifespan is nothing but a joke. It is the best cure to avoid becoming a victim. The potatoes are still safe to eat, just cut the spots away. Those exposed surfaces, especially when wrapped tightly in foil and heated will become oxidized and turn brown or gray. Season both sides of the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder and rosemary. Essentially, they should be discarded because they can make you sick from food poisoning symptoms. If the sweet potato is not cooked all the way through, the outside will start to turn black. Prevent browning of sweet potatoes by placing peeled vegetables into a bowl filled with ice water. If you only need to peel them a few hours before, simply leave them somewhere. Finally, if the sweet potato is old, it will also start to turn black. When you cut into a sweet potato and its black on the inside, its not necessarily bad. All you have to do is peel the sweet potatoes, cut them into little cubes and place them in a cupcake pan. The blackening is not harmful and does not affect the taste of the sweet potato. ), there is a high possibility of dark spots after the cooking. However, if you want to eat a fresh sweet potato, you must be able to tell when its a good one. 3 Easy and Fast Methods for Busy Life. For those who bought the canned version, it will last at least up to a year or so. Whats the best way to eat black potatoes? Experience The Vibrant Sweet Potato Parade: An Annual Celebration In Sweet Potato Mississippi! To defrost and reheat sweet potatoes, microwave or non-stick pans are the best options. There are a few reasons why sweet potatoes can turn black. If you plan to store the potatoes for later use, be sure to place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Place the sweet potatoes on one side and the Brussels sprouts on the other. A: Black spots in potatoes are mostly attributed to internal bruises or the result of sugar concentrations brought on by any of several pre or post-harvest conditions and are generally harmless. If you prepare and store sweet potatoes properly, you can enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal. However, when sweet potatoes are exposed to oxygen, the anthocyanins oxidize and turn the sweet potatoes black. As a result, a lemon juice reaction is avoided by adding it to the cooking pot. Next, combine the sweet potato with a generous amount of If youre going to soak sweet potatoes in water, its best to do it first. When the crop is in the soil, the fungus has a better chance of attacking the tubers over a longer period of time. Why is my potato always black with dust? When you add the potatoes to a bowl with lemon juice or white vinegar, they will go gray more easily. Although this has an impact on the potatos flavor, it has no effect on its nutritional value. When you harvest your potato in its prime, there is no discernible difference in taste. The key is to make sure they are kept fresh. Although black rot on sweet potatoes can be prevented in most cases, chemical control on already infected plants is lacking. Use one teaspoon to one half gallon of water, with no noticeable flavor differences, to achieve all of the anti-browning benefits. When a potato is bruised, some of its cell walls rupture and release chemical compounds known as phenols from its interior. They are also high in antioxidants and fiber, and raw or cooked sweet potato skins are both safe. The sweet potatoes do not require much effort from you; just store them in a dry location without moisture. These pigments are what give sweet potatoes their characteristic orange color. Why do we see black spots on fresh sweet potatoes after peeling them? The oven should be set to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for the start of the baking process. By placing spuds in water, you can slow the oxidation process, but it will not prevent it. But why do sweet potatoes turn black? Place each baked yam inside a kitchen towel. There are a few reasons why your japanese sweet potato might turn black. To avoid this, rinse them thoroughly under cold running water until the skins become clear. The black color is a sign of mold or rot, and both of these can cause food poisoning. As you most probably would know,keeping peeled sweet potatoes overnightis kind of a challenging job. One is that the potato is old and has started to rot. It is safe to eat sweet potatoes with small black dots. After-cooking darkening is caused by the oxidation of the ferri-chlorogenic acid in the boiled or fried potatoes. Additionally, you can brush the cut surfaces with lemon juice or other acidic liquids as a preventative measure to slow down the oxidation process. The main reason forbrown spots on sweet potatothat I can point out is keeping them unused for a long time. Sweet potatoes are high in nutrients, so you can enjoy them fresh or reheat them the next day. To cook it through, it will take slightly longer than baking it with the peel. Because of their high water content, they can quickly spoil, so it is critical to store them correctly to extend their shelf life. If you use this simple solution, you can keep the produce looking fresh and vibrant for up to 24 hours before any noticeable changes are noticed in the structure or texture of the potato. Sweet potato skin turns blackish or dark purple after peeling because of the natural sugar content in the vegetable. Mystery spots are areas with large and blackened scars. When youre ready to chop them, store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. When it comes to meal planning, preparing sweet potatoes ahead of time can be a very convenient process. They can be used as a side dish, in soups or stews, or even as a main course. dibruno brothers wayne, pa; homes with acreage for sale in peoria, illinois Potato and some other types of fruit, like apples and bananas, oxidize and turn white as soon as they come into contact with air. Sweet potatoes are also a popular ingredient in many desserts. Greetings! If sweet potatoes have gone bad, it is critical to check for discoloration, softness or mushiness, as well as a deep brown to black color. Just like any other type of vegetables,sweet potatoes need certain amounts of oxygen to properly cook without becoming mushy or unevenly done inside." Sweet potatoes can be peeled even after they have been boiled. How do you keep sweet potatoes from turning black? First, make sure to buy fresh sweet potatoes. That is the main reason forsweet potato discoloration after cooking. Before peeling sweet potatoes, make sure they are free of black spots, as it is nearly certain that they will turn black or grey. How to Keep Sweet Potatoes from Turning Brown after Cooking? If potatoes turn black, they are not safe to eat. Yes, the majority of potato black spots are caused by internal bruises or sugar levels buildup as a result of several pre- and post-harvest conditions. To keep raw potatoes from turning dark when peeling, place them in one quart water mixed with 3 tablespoons lemon juice for a few minutes. If you miss these areas before cooking, you should cut them out as soon as possible. The chlorogenic acid combines with iron ions in the potato and oxygen absorbed from the atmosphere and cooking water, creating the dark pigment. Because refrigerating sweet potatoes can change the structure of their cells, it is best to store them in a dry location with adequate ventilation. You can make a delicious meal of sweet potatoes by adding them to soups or salads. It may appear fuzz or a few dark spots that have brown, black, red, white, or bluish gray color. If part of the sweet potato goes bad, the whole potato should be thrown out as the flavor is affected. Also, to help prevent oxidation, make sure that the liquid you are cooking in covers the potatoes completely. If youre not going to use them right away, store them in a cool, dark place. Sweet potatoes should be firm to the touch and not bruised, discolored, or stained with the skin. If the black spots are concentrated enough to overwhelm the potatos natural orange color, it is best to discard them. The supply chain is always subjected to disruptions, and these disruptions can lead to mold growth over time. To pierce the skin of a potato, place a fork on it a few times. Free radicals cause aging, cancer, and disease, and they are protected by them. A day or two ahead of time, you can cut sweet potatoes; however, you must store them in cold water. Sweet potatoes can be refrigerated for up to 3 to 4 days if stored in an airtight container or sealed bag. Each method will result in a different taste and texture. Finally, make sure to cool the potatoes quickly after they have been cooked, as this will slow down the oxidation process. You can still eat the remaining healthy potato flesh even if you cut both conditions. When sweet potatoes are not cooked long enough, the sugars in them can turn black. Sweet potato is one of the best versatile root vegetables that I love the most. This is caused by the potato oxidizing and is perfectly normal. As I mentioned, I do like sweet potatoes, and when I buy them, I ensure to cook within ten days to eliminate the risks of spoilage. 2. The browning of sweet potatoes is likely due to the presence of toxic compounds called polyphenols. What are black spots inside sweet potatoes? Potatoes that turn black after they are boiled do so for a number of reasons, such as undergoing a reaction with the cookware being used, having bruises due to being dropped and being stored in cold conditions. Bake them into breakfast cups. Sweet potatoes in the region are beige in color with purple flesh and a dense, starchy texture. When sweet potatoes are peeled, a chemical reaction occurs that causes them to turn black. As a result, it is much easier to assemble a meal in a short period of time without having to devote a significant amount of time to one task. If this post contains affiliate links, it may be a violation of our Terms of Service. But why does this happen? When you cook sweet potatoes ahead of time, you can save a lot of time for busy cooks. Scrub yams thoroughly with a vegetable brush, then pat dry. Why Do Sweet Potatoes Turn Brown after Peeling? How to Prevent Sweet Potatoes from Turning Brown after Cooking? The chlorogenic acid combines with iron ions in the potato and oxygen absorbed from the atmosphere and cooking water, creating the dark pigment. One is that the potato is old and has started to rot. In this blog, Ill present my cooking tips, recipes and ideas. Coloration is a common condition found in the majority of fruits and vegetables. Let me explain this a wee bit. Second, store them in a cool, dry place to prevent mold from growing. If you notice black spots or other signs of mold, discard the potatoes as soon as possible. However, the black spots could also be an early concentration of decay. Leftover sweet potatoes can turn into delicious breakfast cups. I am a professional Minnesota blogger. You can keep raw sweet potatoes in the pantry for up to two months. does google pixel 6 have notification light? After washing the sweet potato, the skin should be pricked with a fork. There are numerous questions regarding sweet potatoes. To store the winter squash, it is possible to chop it 3 to 4 days ahead of time and store it in a sealed bag or container with an airtight lid in the refrigerator. There is a potentially harmful disease known as sweet potato black rot caused by a fungus. The most likable side of the story is that you can easily remove the brownish part of the yam and consume the rest without much of an issue, especially when the problematic part is on the skin. Potatoes turn black or brown when they are exposed to air for a long period of time due to oxidation. Use a knife to make about eight crosswise slashes up and down the potato. The chlorogenic acid combines with iron ions in the potato and oxygen absorbed from the atmosphere and cooking water, creating the dark pigment. Sweet potato is a veggie that is full of phenolic agents, and a molecule called chlorogenic causes dark spots to appear inside of it when combined with oxygen and iron ions. How Much Water Do You Need To Add When Cooking Sweet Potatoes In An Instant Pot? 5. How do you keep sweet potatoes fresh after cutting? Store sweet potatoes in an airtight plastic bag or container to prolong their shelf life. Those are the three main factors that contribute to brown patches or holes on unpeeled sweet potatoes. Chlorogenic is the culprit again. Another reason is if they are stored in a humid or warm place. One of those phenols, called chlorogenic acid, is the culprit that makes sweet potatoes and sometimes, regular potatoes darken when they're cooked. Do I Need a Regulator for My Propane Grill? Most probably, you want your dish to preserve for future use. As an Amazon Associate, I earn money by participating in qualified Amazon activities. Only about a third of it should be left standing and surrounded by a generous area. If you add additional acids to the mixture, they will compete for the same combination of chlorogenic acid and iron ions, so the black color of your sweet potatoes may not be as noticeable as it is now. Eat or toss: Cut off the affected areas. Some sweet potatoes can be difficult to remove due to black spots. You can keep raw potatoes in the refrigerator by placing them in a bowl of cold water. There are a few things you can do to prevent sweet potatoes from turning black. Its best to inspect the product to see if its mushy or soft to the touch. This is usually due to overcooking or exposure to oxygen. Caring For Sweet Potato Vine: A Guide To Watering Fertilizing And Pruning, The Sweetest Harvest: Attracting Animals To Your Garden With Sweet Potatoes, How To Prepare Sweet Potatoes For A Paleo Diet: Roasting Boiling Mashing And Grilling Tips And Recipes, Maximizing The Shelf Life Of Sweet Potatoes: Storing Tips And Tricks, Harvesting Delicious And Nutritious Sweet Potatoes: How To Plant And Store For Maximum Yield, Make Mealtime Creative And Flavorful With Sweet Potato Cauliflower Rice, The Surprising Benefits Of Eating Sweet Potato Skin For Babies, Taste The Difference: Sweet Potato Casserole Vs Candied Yams For The Holidays. It is best to discard any black spots you find. If the food has softened to at least 50%, you should only add lemon juice or other acid after it has done so. To protect your potatoes from oxidation by enzyme browning, use a simple trick. One of those phenols, called chlorogenic acid, is the culprit that makes sweet potatoes and sometimes, regular potatoes darken when they're cooked. Your dishes will look more appealing if you keep your skin on, not only because it will save you time in the kitchen but also because it will give them a textural component. It can range from bruising to oxidation, and depending on the cause, it can involve chemical reactions in cooking. If you prepare them the day before, they can be stored in the refrigerator for an easy party potato. Here are some of the reasons that I figured out. Under-cooking sweet potatoes can also cause them to turn black because the cell walls are not broken down and the natural sugars do not have a chance to caramelize. When youre ready to use them, make sure to discard the water and pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking. So, fire away any questions you have.Read more >>>. A: The potatoes were stored improperly for them to last that long after baking. It may appear to be revolting, but it has no effect on the taste or edibility of sweet potatoes. This discoloration usually resolves in 24 to 48 hours following bruising. When the environment is polluted, oxidation occurs. These spots are called internal black spot and are essentially bruising that occurs from the potatoes lying against each other for an extended period of time. When sweet potatoes are exposed to oxygen, they will turn black. After cutting them, store them tightly in a plastic bag or airtight container and allow to cool for three to five days. After cutting the potatoes transfer them into an airtight container filled with water and put into the veggie drawer in your fridge. Glass is the best material for kitchen countertops due to its non-reactive properties; replace your baking dishes and pans with reinforced ones. Eating cooked sweet potatoes that have been left out can cause Staph food poisoning. My name is Ali. The black sweet potato is used in Japanese cuisine. In most cases, bruising and enzymes are the same thing, but they are distinct. Diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain are the most common symptoms of poisoning. If a recipe calls for too much sugar or not enough water, it can cause the sweet potatoes to turn black. It is possible to prevent oxidation after peeling and cutting the produce by placing them in a bowl of cold water with a few teaspoons of lemon juice added. It is because they have enzymes (polyphenol oxidase in different forms in different plants) released from the plants cells when they are cut open. A black mold attack is most likely to blame for a sticky, mushy, or slimy area. Make sure to use as little oxygen as possible in order to avoid upsetting your favorite potato dishes. After being exposed to air or water, cooked sweet potatoes flesh will turn black. In this video, you will learn how to protect potatoes from oxygen and how to react with air. This time its the toxin chlorophyll. In Harold McGees opinion, avoiding green potatoes is a good idea due to their bitter and toxic alkaloids. Polyphenols are found in many fruits, vegetables, and spices and can cause a variety of problems when ingested. In sweet potatoes, a fungus can cause black rot, which can be extremely painful. My name is Ali. In that sense, you must know how to store them safely. Spritz the vegetables with olive oil and season with 3/4 teaspoon salt, black pepper to taste. You can make mouth-watering meals out of sweet potatoes with proper storage and cleaning, and theyre sure to be both tasty and healthy. In the United States, there are several ways to determine whether a sweet potato has gone bad. Another exception is mold. ; Bake on a baking sheet at 425F 40 to 60 minutes, or until tender. You can either cut the sprouted portion off, cook it right away, or plant it. by Ali Kirby | Feb 8, 2023 | Cooking Tips. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent your sweet potatoes from turning black. By following the simple methods below, you can keep them from browning until you cook. There are a few things you can do to prevent your sweet potatoes from turning black. If your sweet potato is throwing up yellow and white roots, what do you do? Additionally, black skin can help to improve blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation. Let cool slightly, then scoop the flesh into a large bowl and return to the skins . However, if you notice black spots on sweet potatoes after peeling, your potatoes may be infected with black rot, caused by a fungus. With that, I say goodbye, and if you have anything to ask with regards towhy do sweet potatoes turn brown, the comment section is all yours. Furthermore, when you prepare and peel and cut sweet potatoes, they can be stored in the refrigerator up to 24 hours ahead of time to ensure freshness. Even if there are a few dark spots on the sweet potatoes, it is still possible to eat them. The potato appears grey or dark if cholorgenic acid combined with iron is used. If you want to get everything out of the way before you begin, skip the peels and cuts. In any case, fungicides or any other listed chemical cannot be used to treat black rot. Some common traits of bad sweet potatoes are discoloration and growths through the skin. While blackened sweet potatoes are safe to eat, they may not be as tasty or attractive as their lighter counterparts. Sweet potatoes, unlike russets, do not lose their texture or turn brown as soon as they are exposed to air.