Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and food. And no Thanksgiving meal would be complete without sweet potatoes. But what exactly are sweet potatoes, and how did they become such a popular Thanksgiving dish?
The History of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are native to Central and South America, and they were first brought to North America by Christopher Columbus in the 15th century. The Spanish explorers who followed Columbus quickly adopted sweet potatoes as a staple food, and they soon spread throughout the Americas.
Sweet potatoes were first introduced to the Pilgrims by Native Americans in the early 17th century. The Pilgrims quickly grew fond of sweet potatoes, and they soon became a staple food in New England.
By the 19th century, sweet potatoes were being grown all over the United States. They were a popular food for both slaves and free people, and they were often served at Thanksgiving and other special occasions.
Sweet Potatoes vs. Yams
Many people mistakenly believe that sweet potatoes and yams are the same thing. However, they are actually two different types of vegetables.
Sweet potatoes are a member of the morning glory family, and they are related to other vegetables such as spinach and beets. Sweet potatoes have a smooth, orange skin and a sweet, starchy flesh.
Yams are a member of the Dioscoreaceae family, and they are related to other vegetables such as asparagus and lilies. Yams have a rough, brown skin and a dry, starchy flesh.
Sweet Potatoes on Thanksgiving
Sweet potatoes are a popular Thanksgiving dish because they are both delicious and nutritious. They are a good source of vitamins A, C, and potassium, and they are also a good source of fiber.
Sweet potatoes can be prepared in a variety of ways, but the most popular Thanksgiving preparation is to mash them with butter, sugar, and spices. Mashed sweet potatoes can be served plain or topped with marshmallows, pecans, or other toppings.
Sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious Thanksgiving staple. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and they can be prepared in a variety of ways. Whether you like them mashed, roasted, or fried, sweet potatoes are a surefire way to make your Thanksgiving meal a success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a sweet potato and a yam?
Sweet potatoes are a member of the morning glory family, and they are related to other vegetables such as spinach and beets. Sweet potatoes have a smooth, orange skin and a sweet, starchy flesh.
Yams are a member of the Dioscoreaceae family, and they are related to other vegetables such as asparagus and lilies. Yams have a rough, brown skin and a dry, starchy flesh.
Are sweet potatoes healthy?
Yes, sweet potatoes are a healthy food. They are a good source of vitamins A, C, and potassium, and they are also a good source of fiber.
How can I prepare sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes can be prepared in a variety of ways, but the most popular Thanksgiving preparation is to mash them with butter, sugar, and spices. Mashed sweet potatoes can be served plain or topped with marshmallows, pecans, or other toppings.
Share All sharing options for: Stop Ruining Sweet Potatoes on Thanksgiving
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, many of you will unavoidably make a grave error when preparing your meals, destroying one of the most cherished dishes on this festive table. (And no, I’m not referring to the idiots who fry a frozen turkey in the deep fryer. That’s just natural selection. ).
Between the green beans swimming in canned soup and the stuffing—which, I really hope you don’t serve straight from the bird with a side of salmonella—there’s something far more sinister lurking in your Thanksgiving spreads.
You people need to quit adding marshmallows to sweet potato casseroles immediately.
Now, if you’re in the mood for something sweet to add to your sweet potatoes, you’re in luck because mashed sweet potatoes go well with a pecan and brown sugar topping. Pecans give a bit of texture, brown sugar complements nuts and sweet potatoes well, and a little extra butter never hurt anyone.
However, do not go piling stupid marshmallows on top of our Blessed State Vegetable* and calling it a dang Sweet Potato Casserole** like you’re some sort of child who needs to be coaxed into eating their vegetables (yes, Louisiana’s state vegetable is the sweet potato and not mirliton, which is impressive because I was just sure it was boudin).
Sweet potatoes are practically the ideal food because they are both sweet and packed with an exceptional amount of vitamins, so no one needs to be tricked into experiencing their glory.
When you cover sweet potato casserole with burned sugar tar, it ceases to be essentially a health food. If someone thinks that burning marshmallows taste better than your mashed sweet potatoes, then perhaps you have a problem.
What flavor do marshmallows even bring to the table, and how do they taste?
There’s an absolute certainty that you’re using the ubiquitous, disgusting, mass-produced bombs of sweet mush that, after being crammed into an overworked oven with four other dishes that need to be warmed up just minutes before the turkey is served, somehow wind up half burned or barely toasted.
When you bite into one of these, you’ll either experience boiling hot lava or, more realistically, the texture of eating singed fiberglass insulation.
There is no in between.
Your stupid ass will risk ruining your taste buds with a sickly sweet mouthful of molten goo rejected from the first Ghostbusters movie that will probably overpower the flavor of any mashed sweet potato you might encounter, even though you have a whole Thanksgiving meal, plus seconds and desserts to devour?
Who is sitting around believing that a little bit of boiling high fructose corn syrup will make their mashed sweet potatoes even better?
Indeed, a hint of indiscernible sugary goo was exactly what this side dish required. ”.
::chef’s kiss::
Some people (my family included occasionally) make a sweet potato casserole with half marshmallow topping and half pecan topping as a compromise that pleases the least picky eaters. (I watched one of those food videos on Facebook where they cover a casserole with Jet Puft marshmallows the size of a tiny fist, ruining a perfectly good pecan topping. What the heck are these people doing? I might move to Canada. ).
Don’t be one of those people.
Finally, enjoy your Thanksgiving however you please, unless it involves marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole.
You’re better than that.
*Y’all how is the state drink of Louisiana milk?
**Do not put Peeps on your Sweet Potato Casserole either.
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No, really, stop it.