Sweet Potato Leaves

At the market I was taught how to prepare and cook sweet potato greens. You break each leaf off at the end of its stem. Then you put the leaves in boiling water for one minute.

I left my sweet potato greens, or leaves, in the boiling water longer than I was told because I have the habit, or pattern, of cooking things longer. When I poured the water out, the water was green.

That green in the water was nutrients. Some of the vitamins and minerals in the leaves had moved out of the leaves and into the water. I had poured nutrients down the kitchen drain.

The leaves of a sweet potato plant are nourishing in different ways than the root of the plant. The root stores energy, so the root has more carbohydrate. The leaves capture sunlight, so the leaves have more vitamins, minerals, and protein. Sweet potato leaves provide vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. 

Next time I cook the leaves in boiling water, I will leave the leaves in for a shorter time, and I will keep the water.

You are welcome to eat the leaves of a sweet potato plant.

Stacy 🌺

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I share my experiences and my perspective. Eating and healing look different for everyone. If you are struggling with food or your relationship with your body, please find support. You don’t have to do this alone.