Japanese-style sweet potato: This traditional secret recipe turns it syrupy, golden and honey-like

Health benefits of sweet potatoes: This superfood contains potassium that helps regulate and manage blood pressure (Image: Pexels)

• Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins, fibre, and potassium
• Japanese method makes sweet potatoes taste like honey
• Sweet potatoes support eye, gut, and heart health

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Sweet potato is a popular root vegetable that is grown worldwide and enjoyed for its many health benefits. It is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fibre. Consuming it is even safe for diabetics, as it contains anthocyanins, which give it its dark purple colour.

In India, sweet potato is called shakarkand, and even though it’s a winter favourite, it is available year-round. There are many ways in which it is cooked. Some of the popular ways include roasted or baked sweet potato with the skin on: Peeled, diced, and boiled or steamed; and mashed or pan-fried with cooking oil.

In Japan, however, sweet potato is a part of daily cooking and is enjoyed as a healthy snack. Digital creator Akino Ogata shared how it is done differently from most others. “Actually, in Japan, there’s a secret way to bake sweet potatoes so sweet that they taste like honey,” she said.

Also read | 10 benefits of sweet potatoes, from healthy skin to immunity boost

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A post shared by Akino Ogata | Kitchen Princess Bamboo (@akino_ogata)

How the Japanese cook sweet potatoes

The blogger shared the steps in a video on her Instagram account, where she shares many other Japanese recipes. Take a look…

• First, soak the sweet potatoes in salted water. For this, add 1 tablespoon of salt to 2 litres of water.
• Leave them for at least 6 hours or overnight.
• Next, drain the water and wrap the sweet potatoes in a foil. Bake at 320°F (160°C) for an hour in an oven or air fryer.
• Check if they are soft to touch. Then remove the foil and bake for another ten minutes at 400°F (200°C).
• This process will turn the sweet potatoes syrupy, golden, and unbelievably sweet like natural honey, with no added sugar.

Also read | Nature's nourishment: This superfood is so versatile that it can be part of all your health diet, in different avatars

Health benefits of sweet potatoes

Eye health: When eaten, the beta-carotene in sweet potatoes turns into Vitamin A, which helps protect vision.

Gut health: Their high-fibre content makes them excellent for digestive health. They promote bowel movement, prevent constipation, and improve intestinal health.

Heart health: They contain anthocyanins that help protect the heart against disease. Even potassium helps regulate and manage blood pressure.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.