Although sweet potatoes may feel familiar, But when they find a place on your holiday table year after year? There’s probably a lot you don’t know about these sweet orange vegetables.

For example, did you really know that And they’re not potatoes. Is there a difference between sweet potatoes and yams? And this same state has produced the most sweet potatoes since 1971 by a long shot?

Here’s what you need to know. along with fun facts That you can share with your family at your next holiday dinner.

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North Carolina produces the most sweet potatoes.

North Carolina is the largest producer of sweet potatoes in the United States. According to information from the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center Sweet potatoes were originally discovered by Columbus in the West Indies. And sweet potatoes have been grown in the South for centuries. So it makes sense that these vegetables would love North Carolina’s warm soil. The resource center further explains that North Carolina grows approximately 60% of the nation’s sweet potatoes on its own. This is because sweet potatoes love the state’s long hot summers and frost-free days.

However, while North Carolina reigns supreme in sweet potato production, other states are catching up, with production increasing over the past 15 years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says California, Mississippi and Louisiana are all Also a large grower of sweet potatoes.

Potatoes and yams and yams

If you’re wondering why sweet potatoes need North Carolina’s hot summer months to grow and thrive. (When regular potatoes can grow in cooler climates, such as in Idaho.) It’s also worth noting that sweet potatoes and potatoes are very different. Sure, they might look a little similar. But they’re not even related.

As noted by the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center Potatoes are members of Solanaceae family (which also includes tomatoes and eggplants), while sweet potatoes belong to the morning glory family. Although the two grow similarly when underground, Only sweet potatoes are true tubers.

Additionally, yams and yams are not the same. Although the word “yam” is sometimes used to refer to sweet potatoes, If you see sweet potatoes in the grocery store, It is often mislabeled sweet potatoes. As the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission shows Sweet potatoes usually aren’t even orange. They are white or purple. Sweet potatoes are in the lily family and they don’t grow well in the United States. This is because they require more tropical conditions than sweet potatoes. They are also sweeter and less starchy than sweet potatoes.

How to use yams besides the holidays

Sweet potatoes have grown in popularity over the past decade. And for good reason. Sweet potatoes are packed with health benefits and nutrients. Including fiber and vitamins

So, if you want to take advantage of all the amazing ways you can use yams. Beyond grinding for the holiday dinner table Or combine them in a casserole dish with mini marshmallows and candied pecans. You have many options.

Try stuffing sweet potatoes with lentils and sun-dried tomatoes. or black beans and quinoa Or turn it into a cinnamon roll or even braided bread.