To some of us, the very first thing that pops into mind when we hear the words “sweet potatoes” is thanksgiving. Whatever it is that you think of, chances are, drinking them in juice form will be the last thing that will cross your mind.
Can You Juice Sweet Potatoes?
Surprisingly, a lot of people aren’t actually aware that they can make sweet potato juice. As a matter of fact, potatoes can indeed be juiced just like their many other vegetable and fruit counterparts. You will definitely benefit from having a glass of it every now and then, that is for sure.
Back in the days during Shakespeare’s time, sweet potatoes were highly sought after because they were considered as aphrodisiacs. Nowadays, sweet potato juice benefits us in several other ways and when compared with their white counterparts, they are considered the healthier option.
In terms of nutritional value, you’ll be surprised at just how they well they fare when rival against other vegetables .
Nutritional Facts 101
Sweet potatoes have carotenoids and this is what helps boost one’s immunity. Studies have also shown that chlorogenic acid and quercetin – both found in sweet potatoes – are rather effective in fighting cancer.
They also have:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Fiber
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Iron
- Copper
- Folate Acid
How Will You Benefit From Drinking Sweet Potato Juice?
- Improved digestion system. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and antioxidants, which are great for the gut.
- Vitamin A helps protect your eyes and improve your vision.
- Youthful skin. Not only will it repair your skin barriers, it will also help prevents acne and blemishes.
- Anti-cancer benefits.
- Quicker healing of wounds (contain fibrinogen).
- Purple sweet potatoes help enhance brain function.
If you have never tried juicing a sweet potato before, here’s how you do it:
- Wash the sweet potato thoroughly.
- Peel the sweet potato and cut it into small chunks. Make sure the pieces are small enough so that they can easily fit into your juicer.
- Juice the sweet potato and serve.
Very simple and easy steps to follow. If that is a tad too bland for you or you’d want to explore other juicing options, here are some fun sweet potato juice recipes that you can try out at home.
Sweet Potato Juice Recipes
1. Sweet Potato Pear Cinnamon Juice
People often compare this juice to horchata, the Mexican rice drink. This one here is highly nutritious and should be consumed as soon as it is prepared to retain its flavor and nutrients. The presence of chia seeds also gives an additional dose of fiber.
You will need:
- 2 peeled sweet potatoes (medium-sized)
- 1 tbsp. of chia seeds
- ¼ tsp. of cinnamon (ground)
- 1 pear (peeled and cored)
To prepare the juice:
- Run your sweet potatoes through the juicer, followed by the pear.
- Add the cinnamon to the juice and then stir.
- Add the chia seeds and stir. Let it soak for five minutes.
- Serve the juice over ice.
2. Sweet Potato Apple Ginger Juice
The combination of the turmeric, ginger and sweet potato makes this juice super anti-inflammatory. This recipe is extremely healthy and does wonders for one’s skin.
You will need:
- 1 large sweet potato (peeled)
- A piece of fresh ginger (the amount of ginger used, will determine how spicy the drink will be)
- A cinnamon stick
- 2 stalks of celery
- 4 pieces of fresh turmeric
- 1 apple (replaceable with Fuyu persimmon)
To prepare the juice:
- Juice the ingredients (except the cinnamon stick) starting with ginger and turmeric and finish with celery.
- Put the cinnamon stick in a glass.
- Pour the juice into the glass and let it steep for some minutes.
- You can also refrigerate it as it steeps until you’re ready to drink it. Use a tightly sealed container and remember to shake before serving.
Do not store the juice for more than 2 days.
3. Sweet Potato Smoothie
You can have this smoothie for breakfast. It’s also an excellent dessert if you want a healthier option.
You will need:
- 1 tbsp. of raw honey (optional)
- 3 sweet potatoes (peel, boil, mash and chill them)
- ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt (optional)
- 1 ½ cups sweetened almond milk (cold)
- ¼ tsp. cardamom (ground)
- ½ tsp. nutmeg (ground)
- 1 tsp. cinnamon (ground)
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
To prepare the smoothie:
- Put the ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Slowly add the almond milk, until you get the thickness you want.
- Pour into two glasses and serve.
4. Sweet Potato With Citrus Juice And Carrots
You will need:
- ½ sweet potato
- 1-inch of ginger
- 1/8 lemon (peeled)
- 1 orange (peeled)
- 1 carrot
- ½ cucumber
To prepare the juice:
- Juice the ingredients, one at a time.
- Stir once you’re done, to combine all the flavors.
- Serve.
5. Sweet Potato Beet Juice
You’ll feel less bloated whenever you take this juice. Not only does it taste good, it also makes you feel energized as well. A great detox juice for when you want to get rid of the toxins of your body.
You will need:
- 1 beet (peeled)
- 1 sweet potato (peeled)
- 1 green apple
- 1 plum
- 4 strawberries
- A dash of cinnamon powder
To prepare the juice:
- Chop the ingredients into juicer-friendly sizes.
- Juice all the fruits and vegetables (you can also use a blender).
- Stir properly and sprinkle the cinnamon on top.
- Serve
What Problems Will You Face When Making Sweet Potato Juice?
You’re going to find the juicing process problematic if you choose the wrong sweet potatoes. Size is the key – buy small to medium-sized sweet potatoes. The larger ones may look appealing but they are not worth it because they are tough.
Sweet potato juice recipe tips:
- Use quality sweet potatoes that don’t have cracks or bruises.
- Always wash them thoroughly.
- You can choose to leave the skin on if you want to have more fiber. Note that the juice will have a darker color this way though.
- If possible, get frozen sweet potatoes because they have no salt and are less fat.
- Go for darker colored sweet potatoes because they have a higher vitamin content.
- Your sweet potatoes should be firm and preferably tapered at both ends.
- Store them in a cool, dry place.
Wrap Up
So yes, sweet potatoes are great in making juices too besides the usual apples, bananas and oranges. If you like the milkshake-like taste, adding it to your other fruit juices will give you just that effect – did we just give one of our biggest tips away? Enjoy!