Tag: Cuban sweet potato

While the name *batata* is often used interchangeably with sweet potatoes in some regions, it specifically refers to a variety known as the white-fleshed sweet potato. This distinction is key for chefs and home cooks alike, as the mild, starchy flavor profile of the batata sets it apart from the more common orange-fleshed varieties.

Despite the common culinary confusion, boniato is not the same as a true yam; in fact, boniato is a type of sweet potato, while yams belong to an entirely different plant family. This widespread misconception, especially in the United States, stems from marketing practices and the visual similarity between different starchy tubers.

Despite being the same species, *Ipomoea batatas*, a common sweet potato and a boniato are distinct varieties with different characteristics. While the familiar sweet potato is known for its moist, sweet, orange flesh, the boniato offers a drier, starchy texture with a mild, nutty flavor.