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O'Henry sweet potatoes vary in size and appearance depending on growing conditions, and have an elongated, oblong to cylindrical shape, tapering to narrow, pointed ends. The semi-thin skin showcases cream-colored, tan, to blushed hues and has a semi-rough, firm, and textured surface with shallow eyes and a few dark spots. Underneath the skin, the white to pale yellow flesh is dense with a slightly lower moisture content than orange-fleshed varieties. When cooked, O'Henry sweet potatoes are aromatic and have a creamy, smooth, and stringless flesh with a delicate, sweet, nutty, and honeyed flavor.
Seasons/Availability
O’Henry sweet potatoes are available year-round, with a peak season in the fall.
Current Facts
O'Henry sweet potatoes, botanically classified as Ipomoea batatas, are an early-maturing variety belonging to the Convolvulaceae or morning glory family. The white-fleshed potatoes were discovered as a natural mutation of the Beauregard variety and were selected for cultivation for their sweet, mild flavor. O'Henry sweet potatoes were initially popular when they were released in the late 20th century, but over time, the variety faded from cultivation and has become somewhat rare. O'Henry sweet potatoes are favored among potato enthusiasts for their high yields, extended storage capabilities, and variegated skin coloring.
Nutritional Value
O’Henry sweet potatoes are an excellent source of fiber, which can stimulate the digestive tract, and contain potassium, which can help regulate fluid levels within the body. The sweet potatoes also provide some vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, vitamin E to reduce inflammation, vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, and vitamin B6.
Applications
O'Henry sweet potatoes have a mild and sweet flavor suited for cooked preparations such as roasting, baking, or boiling. The variety has slightly drier flesh when cooked, creating a soft texture that can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. O'Henry sweet potatoes are frequently used in sweet potato pie or candied sweet potato dishes. The potatoes can also be sliced thin into casseroles, baked into bread, cooked into fries, pureed for soups and sauces, or mashed as a variation of the classic side dish. Try frying O'Henry sweet potatoes into tempura or fire-roasting to create a smoky-sweet taste. O'Henry sweet potatoes pair well with herbs such as sage, parsley, and thyme, aromatics such as garlic, shallots, and onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Whole, unwashed O'Henry sweet potatoes will keep up to three weeks when stored in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Vardaman, Mississippi, is a small town in the United States with the self-proclaimed title of the “Sweet Potato Capital of The World.” The town of two thousand inhabitants has been cultivating sweet potatoes since 1915 and is also home to the Vardam Sweet Potato Festival. This festival has been held annually in November for over 46 years and hosts cooking competitions, beauty pageants, a 5K run, and local food vendors highlighting many different varieties of sweet potatoes. O’Henry sweet potatoes are often featured at the festival as it is the hometown of the white-fleshed variety. In addition to the festival, Vardaman has a sweet-potato-focused confectionaries shop known as Sweet Potato Sweets. The grassroots bakery creates a wide variety of souvenir sweet potato gifts, including pies, marmalade, cookies, ice cream, salsa, and fudge flavored with the tubers.
Geography/History
O'Henry sweet potatoes were discovered growing naturally by Henry Wayne Bailey of Cane Creek Farms in Vardaman, Mississippi. The variety is believed to be a white-fleshed mutation of the famous Beauregard sweet potato and was released to commercial growers in the late 1990s. Today O'Henry sweet potatoes are primarily cultivated by specialty growers and are sold at farmer's markets across the United States. The variety is also grown in home gardens as a novelty.
SPECIALTY PRODUCE
1929 Hancock St San Diego 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
O'Henry sweet potatoes have a semi-thin skin that ranges from cream-colored to tan or blushed tones with a textured surface featuring shallow eyes and occasional dark spots. Their dense white to pale yellow flesh has slightly less moisture compared to orange-fleshed varieties. These sweet potatoes taper at the ends and are known for their sweet, nutty, and honeyed taste when cooked.
SPECIALTY PRODUCE
1929 Hancock St San Diego 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
O'Henry sweet potatoes are versatile in the kitchen, suitable for roasting, baking, boiling, or frying into tempura. Their soft, slightly drier flesh works well in both sweet and savory dishes, like sweet potato pies, soups, casseroles, or mashed sides. They pair wonderfully with flavors like garlic, thyme, mushrooms, and bell peppers. For best storage, keep them unwashed in a cool, dry, dark place for up to three weeks.
SPECIALTY PRODUCE
1929 Hancock St San Diego 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
O'Henry Sweet Potatoes are a rare, early-maturing variety botanically classified as Ipomoea batatas. They emerged as a natural mutation of the Beauregard type and gained initial popularity in the late 20th century. Potato enthusiasts value them for their high yields, ability to store well, and unique variegated skin. Their rarity makes them a special find for those seeking a mild-flavored, versatile sweet potato.
O'Henry sweet potatoes were first discovered by Henry Wayne Bailey of Cane Creek Farms in Vardaman, Mississippi. They are a white-fleshed mutation of the Beauregard sweet potato, introduced to commercial markets in the late 1990s. Though primarily cultivated by specialty growers, they are often sold at farmer's markets and grown in home gardens as a unique variety.
Hamlow Ranches…Vardaman, Mississippi, known as the “Sweet Potato Capital of The World,” has been cultivating sweet potatoes since 1915. This small town of 2,000 residents celebrates its sweet potato heritage with the annual Vardam Sweet Potato Festival each November. The event features cooking competitions, beauty pageants, a 5K run, and local vendors showcasing diverse sweet potato treats, including the O’Henry white-fleshed variety native to the area.
Fresno Evergreen
O'Henry Sweet Potatoes from Fresno Evergreen…O'Henry Sweet Potatoes are unique for their cream-colored to tan skin and white to pale yellow flesh, which sets them apart from orange-fleshed varieties. When cooked, their flesh becomes creamy, smooth, and stringless with a delicately sweet, nutty, and honeyed flavor. Their slightly lower moisture content makes them suitable for various recipes, enhancing aroma and texture alike.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
O'Henry Sweet Potatoes from Fresno Evergreen…O'Henry sweet potatoes offer a mild, sweet flavor and are perfect for roasting, baking, or boiling. They have drier flesh that softens when cooked, making them ideal for sweet potato pies, fries, casseroles, and more. Enhance their taste by pairing them with sage, garlic, or thyme. Store unwashed potatoes in a cool, dry place, and they’ll last up to three weeks. For a twist, try fire-roasting to bring out a smoky-sweet flavor.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
O'Henry Potatoes from Fresno Evergreen …O'Henry Sweet Potatoes: O'Henry sweet potatoes are a white-fleshed variety born from a natural mutation of the Beauregard sweet potato. Though introduced in the late 20th century, their cultivation has dwindled, making them a rare treat. Known for their mild flavor, they offer excellent storage potential, high yields, and unique variegated skin, earning recognition among potato enthusiasts for their quality and versatility.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
O'Henry Sweet Potatoes from Fresno Evergreen…O'Henry Sweet Potatoes: These sweet potatoes are a white-fleshed mutation of the famous Beauregard variety, discovered by Henry Wayne Bailey of Cane Creek Farms in Vardaman, Mississippi. Released to commercial growers in the late 1990s, they are now cultivated by specialty growers and sold at farmer's markets. They're also popular in home gardens for their unique appearance and novelty appeal.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
O'Henry Sweet Potatoes from Fresno Evergreen…Vardaman, Mississippi, known as the "Sweet Potato Capital of The World," has been cultivating sweet potatoes since 1915. The town hosts the annual Vardaman Sweet Potato Festival every November, featuring cooking competitions, beauty pageants, a 5K run, and local food vendors. O’Henry sweet potatoes, a white-fleshed variety, are prominent at the festival. Vardaman is also home to Sweet Potato Sweets, a bakery offering sweet-potato-inspired treats like pies, cookies, and fudge.