Sweet Potato Characteristics

Colors

• Sweet potatoes showcase golden brown, red, copper, light brown or orange colors with varying flesh colors, depending on the variety. The Beauregard has dark orange flesh and bright purple skin. The Centennial has both orange flesh and skin, and the Georgia Jet has red skin with orange flesh. Sumor has brown skin with light ivory flesh inside. Vardaman produces golden skin with orange flesh.

Size and Shape

• Sweet potatoes have a short, block-like shape with several rounded edges or tapered ends. Each sweet potato has a distinctive shape. Some have a more rounded shape, while others look more oval, bell-shaped or oblong. Sweet potatoes range in size depending on the success of the groups and individual variety. Most sweet potatoes extend 4 inches or longer with a varying width of 3 inches or more.

Texture and Taste

• Most varieties have a sweet taste that ranges in intensity. The varieties with orange flesh tend to taste a little sweeter than other types. The potatoes have smooth thin skin with a few rough patches. The flesh of raw sweet potatoes has a firm texture that gradually softens as the potatoes cook.

Smell

• Sweet potatoes smell like dirt when they first come out of the ground, but after washing off the dirt, they have a rustic, light smell that isn't offensive at all. When cooking, sweet potatoes give off a light sweet scent that's similar to yams.