The Forager's Journal

Welcome to the wonderful world of sweet potatoes! These delicious and nutritious root vegetables have been delighting taste buds for centuries, and there's so much more to them than meets the eye. From their rich history to their surprising health benefits, sweet potatoes are a versatile and fascinating food. So, let's dive in and uncover 50 fun facts about sweet potatoes that will leave you craving more! Sweet potatoes are not actually potatoes! They belong to the morning glory family, while regular potatoes belong to the nightshade family. There are over 400 different varieties of sweet potatoes, ranging in color from orange and purple to white and even yellow. The orange-fleshed sweet potato is often called a "yam" in the United States, but it's actually a sweet potato. True yams are starchier and drier than sweet potatoes and are more common in Africa and Asia. Sweet potatoes are one of the oldest vegetables known to man, with origins dating back thousands of years to Central and South America. They were first domesticated around 5,000 years ago in what is now Peru. Christopher Columbus introduced sweet potatoes to Europe after his voyages to the Americas in the late 15th century. Sweet potatoes were also a staple food for early American settlers, including the Pilgrims, who likely enjoyed them at the first Thanksgiving in 1621. George Washington grew sweet potatoes at Mount Vernon, and Thomas Jefferson had them served at the White House during his presidency. Sweet potatoes are highly nutritious and are packed with vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. The orange-fleshed varieties of sweet potatoes are particularly rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Sweet potatoes are naturally gluten-free, making them an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Despite their sweet taste, sweet potatoes have a relatively low glycemic index, which means they won't cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. In addition to being eaten fresh, sweet potatoes can be dried into jerky and ground into flour. Sweet potato leaves are also edible and are commonly used in African and Asian cuisines, either raw in salads or cooked as a leafy green vegetable. Sweet potatoes are a versatile ingredient and can be prepared in numerous ways, including roasting, baking, boiling, steaming, and even grilling. In the United States, sweet potatoes are often enjoyed as a side dish at Thanksgiving, either mashed, baked, or in a sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows. In Japan, sweet potatoes are often roasted whole and sold as a popular street food known as "yaki-imo." In Korea, sweet potatoes are used to make a popular snack called "goguma-mattang," which consists of caramelized sweet potatoes coated in sugar. Sweet potato fries have become a trendy alternative to regular French fries, offering a slightly sweet and crispy twist on a classic favorite. Sweet potato pie is a traditional Southern dessert that is similar to pumpkin pie but made with mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, spices, and eggs. Sweet potatoes can be used to make a variety of beverages, including sweet potato smoothies, lattes, and even sweet potato beer! In some parts of Africa, sweet potatoes are fermented to make a traditional alcoholic beverage called "amabere." Sweet potato vines are often used as animal feed for livestock, particularly in regions where sweet potatoes are grown extensively. Sweet potatoes are grown in over 100 countries worldwide, with China being the largest producer, followed by Nigeria and Uganda. The world record for the heaviest sweet potato weighs in at a whopping 81 pounds, grown by Peter Glazebrook in the UK in 2010. Sweet potatoes are considered a drought-tolerant crop and are often grown in regions with poor soil quality or limited water resources. The leaves of sweet potato plants can help suppress weeds and improve soil health when used as mulch or compost. Sweet potatoes are an important crop for food security in many developing countries, providing a reliable source of nutritious food during times of scarcity. In some cultures, sweet potatoes are believed to have medicinal properties and are used to treat ailments such as coughs, colds, and digestive issues. Sweet potato starch is used in the production of biodegradable plastics, making it an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Sweet potatoes have a long shelf life and can be stored for several months under the right conditions, making them a valuable food source during winter months or times of food shortages. The leaves and stems of sweet potato plants are sometimes used as natural dyes, producing shades of green, yellow, and purple. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of energy for athletes and active individuals, providing a steady supply of carbohydrates to fuel workouts and replenish glycogen stores. Sweet potato vines are often used in landscaping and gardening as ornamental plants, adding a pop of color to gardens and landscapes. Sweet potatoes are a sustainable crop, requiring less water and fertilizer than many other staple crops such as rice, wheat, and corn. The flowers of sweet potato plants are edible and can be used to add a touch of color and flavor to salads and other dishes. Sweet potatoes are an important crop for small-scale farmers in developing countries, providing them with a source of income and food security. Sweet potato fries were popularized in the United States in the 20th century and have since become a beloved side dish at restaurants and fast-food chains nationwide. Sweet potatoes are often used in vegan and vegetarian cooking as a nutritious and flavorful alternative to meat. Sweet potato skins are edible and are a good source of fiber, so don't throw them away – try roasting them for a crispy snack. At THEO's, we keep the skin on! Sweet potato vines are sometimes used in traditional medicine to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Sweet potatoes are a popular baby food due to their mild flavor and soft texture, making them easy for little ones to eat and digest. Sweet potatoes are an important part of Thanksgiving celebrations in the United States and are often featured in dishes such as sweet potato casserole, sweet potato pie, and roasted sweet potatoes. Sweet potato fries can be seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs, such as cinnamon, paprika, garlic powder, and rosemary, to create unique flavor combinations. Sweet potatoes can be used to make a creamy and nutritious soup by blending cooked sweet potatoes with broth, coconut milk, and spices. Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, making them a delicious addition to desserts such as sweet potato cheesecake, sweet potato pudding, and sweet potato ice cream. Sweet potato plants are often grown as ground cover in orchards and vineyards to help control erosion and improve soil health. Sweet potatoes are a staple food in many traditional cuisines around the world, including African, Asian, Caribbean, and Latin American cuisines. Sweet Potato Jerky is a delicious way to get your veggies in!

Beets have been revered, and despised, by humans for centuries. As beet lovers, here's 50 things you didn’t know about beets! Mythology In Greek Mythology, legend tells that the secret to Aphrodite’s ageless beauty was that she ate heap-loads of beets. The Oracle at Delphi decreed beets to be worth their weight in silver because of their deep mystic potency. Some cultures believe that if a man and woman eat from the same beet, they will fall in love. History Beets were initially cultivated around 2,000 BC in the Mediterranean region. Humans originally ate just the beet greens and not the root, which were occasionally used in medicine. Ancient Assyrian texts reveal that beets grew in the legendary Hanging Gardens of Babylon in 800 BC. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 BC) recommended beets for binding wounds, cleansing the blood, and treating digestive problems. Despite only growing well during spring and fall, beets were so well regarded in Ancient Rome and Greece that methods were developed for producing them during the hot summer months. The ancestor of the cultivated beet is the wild sea beet, which grew in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Their leaves have been eaten since prehistoric times. The root part of the beet was cultivated for consumption in either Germany or Italy, first recorded in 1542. Northeastern Europe was the first area to embrace the beet root as a dietary staple; it was valued as one of the only vegetables that grew well throughout winter. Since the 16th century, beet juice has been used as a natural red dye. It was even used as a hair dye! In 1747 Andreas Sigismund Marggraf, a chemist from Berlin, discovered a way to produce sucrose from beets. Nutrition A type of beet known as the sugar beet is the source of around half of the world's refined sugar. Sugar beets contain 20% sugar compared to 8% sugar in red beets. THEO’s Beet Jerky is made with organic red beets – less sugar & more nutrition! Beets are a natural source of tryptophan and betaine, both substances that promote a feeling of well-being. They also contain high amounts of boron, a trace mineral which increases the level of sex hormones in the human body. The high iron content in raw beets can be helpful for people who suffer from anemia and fatigue.  Beets also contain betaine, a substance that relaxes the mind and is used in other forms to help treat depression. The nitrates in beets can enhance exercise performance by increasing nitric oxide production and can also help your blood carry more oxygen and help your blood cells work more efficiently. Beets also contain unique antioxidants called betalains, which are currently being studied as a potential weapon in the fight against cancer. Beets are an excellent source of folate, vitamin A and K, and a very good source of manganese, copper, and potassium. Beets are high in fiber, which helps with satiety and regularity. There are 43 calories in 100 grams of red beets. Beets are 88% water (and 100% superfood). Another important nutrient in beets is magnesium. Magnesium has a variety of functions, including preventing inflammation that leads to serious conditions like heart disease, osteoporosis, and even asthma.  One of the many benefits of beets is that they are loaded with folates, including folic acid and B9. These important nutrients can lower your risk of heart disease by reducing the amount of homocysteine in your blood, and it has plenty of other health benefits as well. Fun Facts Beets have long been considered an aphrodisiac in many cultures. Ancient Romans believed that beets and their juice promoted amorous feelings. The heaviest ever beet was recorded at 52 pounds – that’s the same as 70 ordinary beets! And the longest beet? It measured 24 feet! The beets we use are just 3 inches long, for reference. The rosy betalain-rich juice of red beets was used as a cheek and lip stain by women during the 19th century, a practice that inspired the old adage “red as a beet.” Need to get rid of garlic breath? Eat some raw beets. Beets can make for a decent hangover cure as it’s filled with nutritional benefits that eliminate toxins from alcohol consumption. What do Michelle Obama, Emma Stone and Albert Einstein have in common? They all hate beets. 😥 Michelle famously removed beets from the White House’s organic garden. Dwight Schrute is a big fan of beets, though. Beets can be fermented into wine. Beets can make your urine red or pink. Be forewarned after you eat Beet Jerky! Beet juice can indicate the acidity of a solution. If a solution turns pink when beet juice is added, it is an acid. If it turns yellow, the solution is alkaline. In Britain people tend to call beets “beetroot” and in the U.S. people mainly call beetroot “beets.” Does anyone call it rootbeet? Agriculture Around 20% of the world's sugar comes from sugar beets. Beets are a member of the chenopod family. Its relatives are swiss chard, spinach, and quinoa. Beets are also known as THE BLOOD TURNIP. Sounds like an attractive rebrand for us. Beets are most extensively grown in temperate to cool regions or during the cooler seasons. Cool beets! From seed to harvest, beets normally take about 7 to 8 weeks until they’re ready to go. As a root vegetable, beets are available year round, but they’re at their best from June to October. Beets are most commonly a dark red color, however they also come in other hues ranging from white to yellow to red-and-white.  Here are some common beet cultivars: 'Albino', heirloom (white root) 'Bull's Blood', heirloom 'Chioggia', heirloom (distinct red and white zoned root) 'Crosby's Egyptian', heirloom 'Cylindra' / 'Formanova', heirloom (elongated root) 'Detroit Dark Red Medium Top', heirloom 'Early Wonder', heirloom 'Golden Beet' / 'Burpee's Golden', heirloom (yellow root) 'Perfected Detroit', 1934 AAS winner 'Red Ace' Hybrid 'Ruby Queen', 1957 AAS winner 'Touchstone Gold' (yellow root) THEO’s Beet Jerky are made with the dark red ‘Merlin cultivar’! Preparation When harvested, the entire beet is edible, from its leaves, down to its pointed root. Sautéed beet greens anyone? If you buy beets with their greens attached, be sure to cut ‘em off before storing! The greens will take moisture away from the beet. Beets can be consumed raw, boiled, roasted, steamed, and even dried into Beet Jerky! We recommend peeling beets before cooking or eating, though you can do this after cooking them. If you’re going to cook or juice them unpeeled, we suggest giving them a proper scrub. For added nutrition and to reduce food waste, THEO’s Beet Jerky keeps the peel on! Beet Jerky is the easiest and tastiest way to get your beets in.