California sweet potatoes the healthiest choice - Batatas de California, la elección más saludable

A trend in consumer demand for a healthy lifestyle has lead to an increase in demand for California sweet potatoes. 

The Center for Science in the Public Interest recently rated the top ten vegetables based on nutritional value, ranking sweet potatoes as number one. “Our market is expanding into new areas where we can meet the interest in new varieties,” states Jason Tucker, Vice President of the California Sweet Potato Council. “California offers a wider variety of sweet potatoes in color, size, shape, and flavor.”

In comparison to the beginning of 2015, demand for California sweet potatoes continues to remain strong, allowing prices to remain stable. “The value driven pricing structure that the market is experiencing is due in part to our strategy to offer a premium food at a reasonable price,” explains Tucker, “ounce for ounce, nutritionally speaking, and dollar for dollar, today’s consumer is getting more value than in other foods.”

Approximately 10% of sweet potatoes grown within the United States are exported mainly to Europe and Canada. “During the Canadian Thanksgiving we see the strongest demand for California sweet potatoes, but demand remains strong from other countries throughout the year.”

The total acreage of sweet potatoes within California is planning to increase. Approximately 19,000 acres of sweet potatoes are planned to go into production for the upcoming season, which is higher than previous years. “The drought and low forecasting of water availability may cause a decrease in the acres planted,” states Tucker, “Currently, we are at 65% of normal rainfall for the season and our main reservoir is at 8% of capacity. Water availability will continue to challenge our desire to increase acreage to meet the growing demand for California sweet potatoes.”

Despite the drought, the volume of sweet potatoes produced remains steady in comparison to last year due to the generous sunshine and warm, dry climate which is ideal for sweet potato production.
Source: Kayleigh Csaszar in www.freshplaza.com