Purple Sweet Potatoes

Scott

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Aug 21, 2010
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I've enjoyed purple potatoes, but never heard of purple sweet potatoes until today. Interesting, as availability is quoted as Sept through Apr!

Did a bit of online searching while at the store, and found it is also known as the Okinawan or Hawaiian Sweet Potato. The purple coloration is caused by Anthocyanins, commonly found in strawberries and cranberries, and is rich in antioxidants.

Could not find a definitive warning against consumption by birds. Anybody familiar?
 

Allee

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I haven't seen these potatoes at my local markets yet. I did a little reading and found this article about this very interesting superfood.

https://www.downtoearth.org/health/nutrition/okinawan-sweet-potato-purple-powerhouse-nutrition

If the information in the article is correct, this particular potato is in the morning glory family. I did find the morning glory itself on a couple of toxic lists.

Sorry Scott, I've only confused the issue. Now I'm very curious, I hope someone can supply us with that illusive definitive answer.
 

Birdman666

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I've seen the little purple fingerling potatoes, which are nothing like those, and fed those to my birds, but I've never seen THOSE before...

Purple fingerling potatoes aren't related to morning glory... so that isn't particularly helpful.

So I have no idea.
 

Terry57

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Scott

Scott

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Aug 21, 2010
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San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
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Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
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I haven't seen these potatoes at my local markets yet. I did a little reading and found this article about this very interesting superfood.

https://www.downtoearth.org/health/nutrition/okinawan-sweet-potato-purple-powerhouse-nutrition

If the information in the article is correct, this particular potato is in the morning glory family. I did find the morning glory itself on a couple of toxic lists.

Sorry Scott, I've only confused the issue. Now I'm very curious, I hope someone can supply us with that illusive definitive answer.

Thanks Allee! I skimmed that article at the store and read another that mentioned an "astringent" taste.

Cooked a large one this morning while making chop, but chose not to feed it without more info. It does have a rich flavor, a slight "bite" to the tongue, and is definitely purple inside. Perhaps it is not wise to feed something so concentrated with any sort of nutrient; most of my fids love sweet potato/yams.
 

Christinenc2000

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Oct 8, 2014
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I haven't seen these potatoes at my local markets yet. I did a little reading and found this article about this very interesting superfood.

https://www.downtoearth.org/health/nutrition/okinawan-sweet-potato-purple-powerhouse-nutrition

If the information in the article is correct, this particular potato is in the morning glory family. I did find the morning glory itself on a couple of toxic lists.

Sorry Scott, I've only confused the issue. Now I'm very curious, I hope someone can supply us with that illusive definitive answer.

Thanks Allee! I skimmed that article at the store and read another that mentioned an "astringent" taste.

Cooked a large one this morning while making chop, but chose not to feed it without more info. It does have a rich flavor, a slight "bite" to the tongue, and is definitely purple inside. Perhaps it is not wise to feed something so concentrated with any sort of nutrient; most of my fids love sweet potato/yams.

I wish BB did. I have to sneak it into his bread :(
 

Piasa

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Jan 12, 2016
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So interesting. I'm another fan of the "blue" purple potato. Never heard of the purple sweet potato. I hope someone can find the definitive answer.

Morning glory seeds can cause hallucinations in people, that's why they don't sell them at Lowe's and Home Depot anymore. I guess that goes with being toxic.
 

chris-md

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Feb 6, 2010
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Fun fact, anthocyanins are responsible for the purple/red coloration in all plants. Related to carotenoids (carotene!) that give orange/yellow color to fruits and veggies.
 

RavensGryf

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Jan 19, 2014
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Morning glory seeds can cause hallucinations in people, that's why they don't sell them at Lowe's and Home Depot anymore.

Is that why people used to buy them? Lol :D

All mine, even the picky ones LOVE sweet potato.
 

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