For some of us, thanksgiving is the first thing that pops into our heads when we hear the words sweet potatoes. The chances are that drinking them would have been the last thing to cross your mind.
Can you juice sweet potatoes?
Surprisingly, a lot of people aren’t aware that you can make sweet potato juice. Like with other vegetable and fruit juices, you are definitely going to benefit from having a glass of the juice every now and then.
Back in the day during Shakespeare’s time, sweet potatoes were sought after because they were considered aphrodisiacs. However, sweet potato juice benefits us in several other ways. They are healthier than white potatoes and rival other vegetables’ nutritional value.
Let’s have a look at some nutritional facts
Sweet potatoes have carotenoids, which help boost one’s immunity. Studies have also shown that chlorogenic acid and quercetin – both found in sweet potatoes – are quite effective in fighting cancer.
They also have:
Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Fiber, Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Copper, and Folate Acid.
How will you benefit from drinking sweet potato juice?
- It will help improve your digestion. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and antioxidants, which are great for the gut.
- The vitamin A will help protect your eyes and improve your vision.
- Your skin will look youthful. Not only will it repair your skin, but it will also help against acne and blemishes.
- Drinking the juice gives you several anti-cancer benefits.
- Sweet potatoes have fibrinogen, which will help your wounds heal at a quicker rate.
- Purple sweet potatoes help enhance brain function.
Assuming you’ve never tried it before, here’s how you juice a sweet potato
- You need to 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.
These steps are simple and easy to follow. But, if you want to explore more juicing options, we have listed some fun sweet potato juice recipes that you can also try out at home.
Sweet Potato Pear Cinnamon Juice
People often compare this juice to horchata, the Mexican rice drink. The juice is highly nutritious and should be drunk as soon as it's prepared to retain its flavor. It also contains chia seeds for additional 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.
Sweet Potato Apple Ginger Juice
The combination of the turmeric, ginger, and sweet potato ingredients 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.
Sweet Potato Smoothie
You can have this smoothie for breakfast. It’s also an excellent dessert 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.
Sweet Potato with Citrus Juice and Carrots
With this recipe, you’ll get plenty of vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
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
Sweet Potato Beet Juice
You’ll feel less bloated whenever you take this juice. Not only does it taste good, but it will also make you feel energized as well. It’s also a great detox juice.
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. Whenever you plan to make some juice, buy small to medium-sized sweet potatoes. Larger ones may look appealing, but they are not worth it because they are tough.
Sweet potato juice recipe tips:
- You should 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 more fiber. However, the juice will have a darker color.
- If possible, get frozen sweet potatoes because they have no salt and less fat.
- Go for darker colored sweet potatoes because of their high vitamin content.
- The sweet potatoes should be firm and preferably tapered at both ends.
- Store them in a cool, dry place.
Wrap Up
You can also choose to add the plain sweet potato juice to other fruit juices to get a pleasant milkshake-like taste.