The sweet potato is the diamond in the rough in any grocer’s produce section. Beyond its affordable price and year-round availability, the vegetable boasts significant nutritional benefits and is incredibly easy to prepare. Though it is often referred to as a “yam” in America, the sweet potato is not a part of the same genus Dioscorea family.

When selecting a sweet potato, look for a firm, plump, smooth-skinned potato that has few to no blemishes. Do not be taken aback by awkward shapes, as it is normal for sweet potatoes to be oblong in shape. Ripeness is indicated best at the tips of the potato, as they are the first place to show signs of rot.

Once purchased, it is best to keep raw sweet potatoes at room temperature (not in a refrigerator) in a dry, dark area. For the best flavor and texture, use sweet potatoes within a week of purchase and do not wash them before storage. If you happen to have a cellar that is closer to 55º F, stored sweet potatoes will keep for up to a month.

Sweet potatoes should be scrubbed under cool running water prior to preparation to remove any lingering dirt from the skin. Potatoes can be boiled, baked, microwaved and pureed, and they add a naturally sweet flavor to any dish. Oftentimes sweet potatoes are paired with brown sugar and cinnamon to enhance flavor, and it is important to keep in mind that sweet potato varieties with lighter-colored flesh will produce a milder flavor than their darker cousins. If you plan to cook multiple sweet potatoes at once, choose spuds that are relatively the same size to allow for evenness in cooking. After a sweet potato has been prepared it will keep in the refrigerator for about three days.

Candied sweet potatoes and sweet potato pie are favorites around Thanksgiving, but sides like sweet potato fries are a welcome addition to a meal during grilling season. For some of the best sweet potato fries in town, head over to Crane Alley in downtown Urbana.

• Sweet potatoes are available at Meijer for $0.99/lb.
• The Common Ground Food Co-op has garnet yams for $1.69/lb.
• Schnucks is also selling sweet potatoes for $0.99/lb.