North Carolina, which produces half of the nation’s sweet potatoes, recently started its 2016-2017 harvest.
“Right now the crop looks good, the quality is good and the colour and size are uniform,” explained Jeff Thomas of Scott Farms, a sixth-generation farming operation that grows six varieties of the root vegetable.
Drier than average weather has caused a slightly later harvest, as growers needed more moisture to allow the sweet potatoes to size up. “The rain from tropical storm Hermine was a welcome sight,” said Thomas.
What they are getting more of is demand.
“Demand for sweet potatoes is growing every year. More people are seeing sweet potatoes as a staple food item,” said Thomas.
According to the USDA, sweet potato consumption increased over 80 percent between 2000-2015, going from 4.2 lbs. per capita to 7.5 lbs. per capita.
“People are realising the health benefits of sweet potatoes. They are a diabetic-friendly food - as they allow for a slow release of the potato’s sugars and carbohydrates, sweet potatoes don’t give you a sugar crash,” explained Thomas.
Capitalising on the increased interest in the commodity, Scott Farms offer a single-wrapped heat-and-serve sweet potato, marketed under their Love Sweet Potato name, as well as items such as Scott Farms orange, purple and white sweet potato chips.
For more information:
Jeff Thomas
Scott Farms
Tel: 919.284.4030