Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas): Naturally sweet root vegetable rich in beta-carotene, fibre, and potassium — great for gut health.
🔍 Quick Facts
| Common name | Sweet Potato |
| Other names | Shakarkandi (Hindi); Sakkaravalli kizhangu (Tamil); Genusu (Telugu) |
| Scientific name | Ipomoea batatas |
| Plant family | Convolvulaceae (morning glory family) |
| Size | Trailing vine |
| Native region | Central America |
| Climate | Tropical/Subtropical |
| Ease of growing | Moderate |
| Parts used | Tuber, Leaves |
About Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is not related to the potato — it belongs to the morning glory family. Roasted shakarkandi with chaat masala is a classic North Indian winter street food, and it is eaten during fasts. Orange-fleshed varieties are rich in beta-carotene. Its leaves are also edible and nutritious.
Botanically known as Ipomoea batatas, it belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It is native to Central America and grows best in a tropical/subtropical climate. The parts most often used are the tuber and leaves.
Uses & Nutrition
Sweet Potato is best known for:
- Beta-carotene (Vitamin A)
- Gut health
- Blood sugar (low GI)
- Immunity
- Anti-inflammatory
How to Eat & Cook It
- Roasted with chaat masala.
- Boiled and mashed, or made into kheer and halwa.
- Young leaves are cooked as greens.
How to Grow Sweet Potato
| ☀️ Sunlight | Full sun. |
| 💧 Watering | Moderate; reduce near harvest. |
| 🪴 Soil | Loose, sandy, well-drained soil. |
| 🌱 Propagation | Vine cuttings (slips) 20–30 cm long. |
| 📅 When to plant (India) | Plant in the monsoon (June–August); harvest after 3–4 months. |
| 🏡 In pots / at home | Grows in a deep grow bag; the vine also looks attractive in a hanging basket. |
Precautions & Safety
- Contains oxalates.
- Store in a cool, dry place to prevent sprouting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Further Reading on Sweet Potato
Written by the WhyOnPlanet editorial team · Last updated October 2026