Are the things growing underground from your sweet potato vine edible?

Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are indeed edible and are typically grown for their starchy, tuberous roots. These roots are the primary edible part of the sweet potato plant and are widely consumed around the world.

If you have a sweet potato vine growing, it's possible that you may notice small, white or pinkish growths developing underground. These growths are called "tubers," and they are in fact edible. These tubers are actually the secondary storage roots of the sweet potato plant and, while not as large or as commonly consumed as the main roots, they are edible and can be used in cooking. These smaller tubers can be prepared and eaten in a similar way to the larger sweet potatoes.

It's important to note that the tubers growing underground from your sweet potato vine may be smaller and less developed compared to the primary sweet potatoes that are typically harvested for consumption. They may also have a slightly different taste and texture compared to the main roots. Nevertheless, they are safe to eat and can be used in various culinary applications.

To harvest these underground tubers, carefully dig around the base of the sweet potato plant and gently remove the smaller tubers from the soil. Wash and clean them before cooking. You can boil, roast, or steam these secondary tubers just like you would with the main sweet potatoes. They generally have a similar nutritional profile and can be a unique and interesting addition to your meals.