By Keith Loria
Produce News
Few foods say autumn the way sweet potatoes do. Their taste and coloring are perfect complements to the season. While last year was a rollercoaster for the produce industry, sweet potatoes were a popular item with consumers due to their increased shelf life over other produce items. North Carolina is known for growing exceptional sweet potatoes, both by the volumes grown and the quality of the product.
According to Rebecca Scott, grower accounting and marketing director for the Nashville, NC-based Nash Produce, the growing conditions and soil types are optimal for successful sweet potato growth, allowing growers to produce a wide size variety of the root vegetable to fulfill any customer preference.
“Many families have spent a lot more time cooking than in years past and having a product that can be cooked in so many different ways with a vast array of flavors was a much-appreciated change of pace for many,” Scott said. “We are hopeful for a successful, and healthy rest of 2021. As the holidays are quickly approaching, we hope to see families gathering together to enjoy those sweet potato staple meals they may not have gotten a chance to cook in 2020.”