Tag: Morning glory family

The sweet potato, known scientifically as *Ipomoea batatas*, belongs to the bindweed or morning glory family, Convolvulaceae. Despite its common name, it is only distantly related to the common potato, and understanding the complete classification of a sweet potato reveals its unique place in the plant kingdom. This botanical journey clarifies its distinct genetic lineage, which is separate from other commonly confused tubers and roots.

Over 89 million tonnes of sweet potatoes were produced globally in 2020, with China accounting for more than half of the world's supply. Though widely consumed, many people are still unsure what are sweet potatoes considered, often confusing them with regular potatoes or yams. Understanding their true classification sheds light on their unique characteristics and health benefits.

A surprisingly common botanical mix-up, sweet potatoes are often incorrectly linked to the nightshade family due to their name and starchy nature. This article definitively clarifies that sweet potatoes belong to an entirely different plant family, putting the question 'Are sweet potatoes a member of the nightshade family?' to rest.

Did you know sweet potatoes are not closely related to regular potatoes, despite the similar name? So, what is a sweet potato categorized as? The answer lies in its unique botanical identity and its culinary use as a starchy vegetable.

Botanically speaking, sweet potatoes are categorized as tuberous roots, not tubers like a regular potato. This often-surprising distinction places them in the morning glory family and separates them from their nightshade counterparts.

Sweet potatoes are the seventh most produced crop worldwide, a clear indicator of their popularity and widespread cultivation. But beyond their prevalence, many people wonder: what is a sweet potato considered? The answer is a bit more complex than it appears, encompassing its botanical origins, culinary applications, and nutritional profile.