Availability and Selection

Most sweet potato varieties are available year-round. Japanese varieties are in the market from late summer until late spring; the deep orange– and yellow-fleshed varieties are at their peak from early fall until late winter; and the Cuban boniatos, if you can find them, are available year-round. Buy sweet potatoes that are firm; free of blemishes, cracks, and soft spots; and feel heavy for their size. The skins should be firm, wrinkle free, and smooth. If possible, select medium-size roots that are plump in the middle with tapered ends. If you will be roasting them, they should be uniformly sized for consistent baking times.