What are you consuming?
The Kumar (a), or orange sweet potato, is a New World vegetable that was brought to Europe by Columbus and other explorers. It should not be confused with regular potatoes or yams, which are a type of edible tuber that originated in Africa and are rich in vitamins. The Kumar (a) gets its distinct flavor from an enzyme that converts its starches into sugars. Whether it's the natural, purple, or orange variety, Kumar (a) is high in potassium and fiber. Like other orange vegetables, it's also rich in beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A. In fact, one medium-sized Kumar (a) provides more than 100% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin A and over two-thirds of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
So why is the Kumar (a) often referred to as a sweet potato? Contrary to popular belief, the Kumar (a) does not belong to the same family as the potato, which belongs to the nightshade family. Instead, it belongs to the Morning Glory family. The term "sweet potato" likely originated from African slaves, who noticed similarities between certain types of sweet potatoes and yams in Africa. The true yam belongs to the lily family.
Kumar (a) is an excellent source of soluble fiber called pectin, which helps lower cholesterol, aids in digestion, and reduces the risk of colon and stomach cancer. Its high levels of beta-carotene can help prevent heart disease and certain types of cancer, as well as maintain healthy skin and a strong immune system.
One important thing to note is that most of the fiber in Kumar (a) is found in the skin, so it's important to eat the skin as well. A medium-sized Kumar (a) is equivalent to one vegetable serving, and it's recommended to consume at least five servings of vegetables daily.
When buying Kumar (a), look for smooth, firm, and unblemished skin. Avoid those with wrinkles, sprouts, or soft spots. It's best stored in a cool, dark place rather than the refrigerator. If the skin has been damaged, it's likely that the vegetable will taste off.
Here are some cooking tips: To test if the Kumar (a) is cooked, gently squeeze it with tongs, it should be soft. To speed up the cooking time, insert a metal skewer lengthwise through the vegetable. This allows the heat to penetrate the center.
Kumar (a) is a versatile vegetable that can be roasted, mashed, or even grilled on skewers. However, boiling it like regular potatoes can cause the loss of nutrients and flavor. Instead, parboil peeled chunks in boiling water for a few minutes, then roast or sauté them in a bit of oil.
In short, Kumar (a) is a nutrient-rich vegetable that provides a range of health benefits. So be sure to add it to your diet for a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.
They were cultivated over 5,000 years ago. Rich in vitamin B6. Named "Kumar (a)" in New Zealand. Used to make biofuels.
Kumar(a), often known as the "hidden gem" of the sweet potato family, has a unique and unexplored characteristic. Underneath its simple exterior is a startling array of flavors ranging from nutty to moderately sweet, making it a culinary conundrum. With its great tolerance to many climates, it has unrealized promise as a robust and nutritious crop for the future.
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