Sweet potato facts that you didn't know you needed.

Sweet potatoes are a delicious starch that we all enjoy year round. However, fall season is when this root shines. For as long as I can remember, sweet potatoes have been a part of my life. I remember my grandmother roasting them in the oven. The sweet aroma in the house let me know that pies or casserole were soon to be made!

There are some fun facts about sweet potatoes that I'm sure you have never heard of or even realized you needed to know! For instance, sweet potatoes are high in beta carotene, vitamins E and C, iron, potassium and vitamin B6. Sweet potato roots are harvested 90 to 120 days after transplanting.

North Carolina's official vegetable is the sweet potato.

February is National Sweet Potato Month.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SWEET POTATOES:

1: Support healthy vision

2: Help for good digestion

3: Help to manage diabetes

4: Help to prevent the risk of cancer

5: Help to minimizing the risk of heart health.

6: May enhance brain function

7: May boost the immune system

8: Help to improve skin

Who knew? You mean to tell me that this beautiful orange, dense, healthy root helps my body? Helps prevent cancer? What? As if my love for this food wasn't strong enough, it will help me live longer! Yes!

Stay tuned for recipes and tips on how to cook, store, and EAT the beloved SWEET POTATO.

-Kelli