Try this healthy and delicious Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Veggies recipe from Megan Forbes at Forbes Nutritional Consulting. Your family will love it! Enjoy! (source)
History of the Sweet Potato
The origin and domestication of sweet potato is thought to be in either Central America or South America. In Central America, sweet potatoes were domesticated at least 5,000 years ago. In South America, Peruvian sweet potato remnants dating as far back as 8000 BC have been found.
Sweet potatoes became popular very early in the islands of the Pacific Ocean, spreading from Polynesia to Japan and the Philippines. One reason is that they were a reliable crop in cases of crop failure of other staple foods because of typhoon flooding. They are featured in many favorite dishes in Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and other island nations. Indonesia, Vietnam, India, and some other Asian countries are also large sweet potato growers. Sweet potato, also known as kelang in Tulu is part of Udupi cuisine. Uganda (the second largest grower after China), Rwanda, and some other African countries also grow a large crop which is an important part of their peoples' diets. The New World, the original home of the sweet potato, grows less than three percent (3%) of the world's supply. Europe has only a very small sweet potato production, mainly in Portugal. In the Caribbean, a variety of the sweet potato called the boniato is popular. The flesh of the boniato is cream-colored, unlike the more popular orange hue seen in other varieties. Boniatos are not as sweet and moist as other sweet potatoes, but many people prefer their fluffier consistency and more delicate flavor.
Sweet potatoes have been an important part of the diet in the United States for most of its history, especially in the Southeast. From the middle of the 20th century, however, they have become less popular. The average per capita consumption of sweet potatoes in the United States is only about 1.5–2 kg (3.3–4.4 lb) per year, down from 13 kg (29 lb) in 1920. Southerner Kent Wrench writes: “The Sweet Potato became associated with hard times in the minds of our ancestors and when they became affluent enough to change their menu, the potato was served less often.” (source).
Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Veggies
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 3 parsnips
- 2-3 cups green beans
- 1/2 chopped Cauliflower
- 1 yellow onion
- 3 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 tsp Oregano
- Dash Black Pepper
- Fresh Parsley as garnish
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash and chop first 5 ingredients. Place in casserole dish and toss with oil or ghee, herbs and salt.
- Place in oven on 400 degrees covered for 45 minutes.
- Stir at half-way point and take off lid for the last 15 minutes if you like your veggies to brown a little.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The product mentioned in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information in this article is not intended to replace any recommendations or relationship with your physician. Please review references sited at end of article for scientific support of any claims made.
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