Basic Chinese Chicken Soup Stock (Soup Base)

• Sweet, starchy tuber that resembles the potato in shape and size
• The colours of sweet potatoes range from dark brown to light pink to dark purple with varying colours on the inside (there are over 1,000 variaties of sweet potatoes)
• Often mistaken for or named Yam (which is a different vegetable)
• Sweet potatoes can be found almost everywhere in the world
• It has many culinary uses (from sweet to salty flavours)

How do I prepare it?

• Wash thoroughly in cool water
• Peel skin prior to use and remove ends

Where can I buy this?

• You can buy from most supermarkets

What is the cost?

• Sweet potatoes cost varies depending on the breed, size and originality
• In general, I usually purchase Japanese sweet potatoes and those cost around $50 HKD per pound

Any benefits?

• Extremely rich in beta-carotene, dietary fiber, Vitamin C and Vitamin B
• Good source of simple starches
• Choose orange fleshed sweet potatoes for a boost of beta-carotene over their paler counterparts

Any precautions?

• Be sure to buy firm sweet potatoes

Any substitutes?

• The yam makes a good substitute as they are similar in taste and texture (although bigger and have thicker skin)

Any additional information?

• Sweet potatoes stores extremely well in dry weather and can keep up to 3-6 months without refrigeration

Resources:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_potato