What is the Difference Between Potato and Sweet Potato

The main difference between potato and sweet potato is their flavor profile. As suggested by its name, sweet potato tastes naturally sweeter than regular potatoes.

Although both regular potatoes and sweet potatoes are tuberous root vegetables, they share distinct appearances and flavor profiles. Most importantly, these two root vegetables share different nutrient profiles and affect human blood sugar levels differently.

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is Potato  
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Sweet Potato
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Potato and Sweet Potato
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Potato and Sweet Potato
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Potato, Sweet Potato

What is Potato

Potatoes are a variety of underground tubers. They grow on the roots of the plant scientifically known as  Solanum tuberosum. Being a member of the nightshade family, potato is somewhat related to tobacco and tomatoes. Potatoes originated in South America and were brought to Europe during the 16^th century. However, at present, farmers all around the world cultivate potatoes as they have become a major ingredient used in western and eastern cuisines alike.

Potato is an extremely versatile ingredient with many preparation methods. People most commonly eat potatoes boiled, fried, or baked. Sometimes, potato dishes are served as side dishes or snacks such as potato wedges, mashed potatoes, potato chips, French fries, or potato flour-based dishes.

Above all, when we cook potatoes along with the potato skin, they become a source of food rich in many minerals and vitamins: vitamin C and potassium. Fresh potatoes have higher water content and fibers, carbs, and proteins in an average amount. But fresh potatoes contain no fat at all.

What is Sweet Potato

Sweet potato refers to an edible root that belongs to the morning glory family. Sweet potatoes come with a copper-colored skin with orange flesh inside. However, there are hundreds of other varieties of sweet potatoes cultivated in every corner of the world, which include cream, white, yellow, dark purple, or reddish flesh inside.

Chefs frequently blend sweet potatoes with sweeteners when incorporating them with desserts. However, in most households, sweet potatoes are consumed either boiled, roasted, or baked, and their natural sweetness gets boosted when they are cooked. Above all, sweet potatoes are a source of food rich in beta-carotene, which acts as a precursor to vitamin A.

Similarities Between Potato and Sweet Potato

• Both sweet potato and potato are starchy and can serve as a carbohydrate alternative for your diet.
• Sweet potato and regular potato are rich in various minerals and vitamins.
• We can use both types of potatoes to make sweet and savory dishes.

Difference Between Potato and Sweet Potato

Definition

Sweet potatoes are root tuber vegetables that taste naturally sweeter than regular potatoes, which are another type of stem tuber from the same tuberous vegetable family.

Sweet

Moreover, sweet potatoes taste naturally sweeter than regular potatoes.

Structural Origin

Sweet potato is a root tuber that belongs to the morning glory family, whereas regular potato is a stem tuber that belongs to the nightshade family.

Edible Parts

Usually, when it comes to potato crops,  only the potato is consumed. However, in some countries, apart from sweet potato tuber, sweet potato leaves are also consumed blended into varying dishes and curries. This happens especially within the Asian and African communities.

Conclusion

The main difference between potato and sweet potato is that regular potato is an edible stem tuber that belongs to the nightshade family, whereas sweet potato is a root tuber that belongs to the morning glory family. Whether potatoes or sweet potatoes, both these root vegetables are excellent sources of carbs and calories. However, if you are conscious of keeping your blood sugar levels low, it is better to avoid sweet potatoes as they are sweeter in their natural flavor profile than regular potatoes.

Reference:

1. “Sweet Potatoes.” The Nutrition Source – School of Public Health, Harvard T.H.Chan, 6 July 2021.
2. Raman, Ryan. “7 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Potatoes.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 14 Mar. 2018.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Potato-potato-backgroung-potatoes” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Vegetable-red-sweet-potato-food” (CC0) via Pixabay