What are the different varieties of sweet potato?

There are a wide variety of sweet potatoes, each with its own unique characteristics in terms of flesh color, flavor, and texture. Here are some of the most common types:

Orange Fleshed:

* Beauregard: The most popular variety in the US, with a classic orange flesh, moist texture, and sweet flavor.

* Centennial: A high-yielding variety with a bright orange flesh and a sweet, nutty flavor.

* Covington: Known for its smooth skin and excellent storage life, this variety has a bright orange flesh and a slightly dry texture.

* Jewel: A newer variety with a deep orange flesh and a rich, sweet flavor.

* Nancy Hall: A classic Southern variety with a bright orange flesh, dense texture, and a sweet, slightly spicy flavor.

* Porto Rico: One of the oldest varieties, with a bright orange flesh and a moist, starchy texture.

* Red Garnet: A very sweet variety with a deep orange flesh and a dense, creamy texture.

White Fleshed:

* White Yam (True Yam): Not a sweet potato, but a starchy tuber often called a white yam.

* Japanese Yam: Another starchy tuber, often called a "Chinese Yam" or "Mountain Yam".

* White Sweet Potato: Rarely seen, this variety has a white flesh with a mild flavor and a slightly dry texture.

Purple Fleshed:

* Purple Yam: Not a sweet potato, but a starchy tuber often called a "Ube" or "Purple Yam".

* Purple Sweet Potato: This variety has a vibrant purple flesh and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor.

* Stokes Purple: A popular variety with a vibrant purple flesh and a sweet, earthy flavor.

Yellow Fleshed:

* Golden Sweet Potato: This variety has a pale yellow flesh and a sweet, slightly buttery flavor.

* O'Henry: A newer variety with a bright yellow flesh and a sweet, fruity flavor.

Other Varieties:

* Okinawa Sweet Potato: A variety native to Okinawa, Japan, with a vibrant orange flesh and a unique, savory flavor.

* Red Sweet Potato: A variety with a reddish-purple skin and orange flesh, with a sweet and slightly tart flavor.

Note: The terms "yam" and "sweet potato" are often used interchangeably, even though they are different types of plants. True yams are not sweet potatoes, and they have a starchy, dry texture and a mild flavor. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are a type of morning glory and have a sweet, moist flesh.