Boniato 101: What is Boniato?

WHAT IS BONIATO?
Boniato, botanically classified as Ipomoea batatas, is a nutty-flavored root vegetable in the same family as sweet potatoes. Boniato has many names, such as batata, camote, kamura, yellow sweet potato, and even the Cuban Sweet Potato.

While boniato lacks the bright orange flesh of the sweet potato and isn't as sweet, it is just as versatile in that it can be mashed, fried, baked, steamed, or roasted. With rough skin ranging from red and purple to light brown, boniato has a gentle, chestnut-like flavor. Its flesh is creamy white when raw and, once cooked, appears light yellow with a fluffy, starchy texture.

Boniato is native to the tropical areas of the Western Hemisphere, such as Central and South America. It made its way to Asia through pre-Incan explorers traveling to Eastern Islands, and today, nearly 90% of the world’s boniato comes from Asia.

Florida has also become a major producer of Boniato because of its popularity and high demand. Together with other tropical root vegetables like yam, taro, yuca, and the potato, it is an indispensable part of the carbohydrate diet for many.
 
NUTRITION
Boniato is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. Similar to yuca, it is high in fiber and carbohydrates, which are a good source of energy for those who are engaged in extraneous physical activities and sports. It is also said that boniato's high antioxidant properties help fight free radicals that damage cells, but there is no scientific evidence proving this claim.

Sandwiches served with United Flavors® Boniato Fries and Dipping Sauces

HOW TO EAT/PREPARE BONIATO
Traditionally, boniato can take up to half an hour to prepare and cook. Here at MIC Food®, we are helping chefs, restaurants, industrial kitchens, retail brands, delis, and others in the food industry rethink their menus and increase appeal among ethnic and mainstream consumers alike. We provide a variety of boniato products that come peeled and cut, ready-to-heat and serve, saving you hours of prep time so you can focus on what matters the most: making every meal memorable.
Ask Our Chef about how you can incorporate boniato into your menu!
 
Hungry for more? Check out our recipe page, which highlights how versatile boniato really is!
 
Related Articles: Yuca 101: What is Yuca, Plantain 101: What is a Plantain?
 
Sources:
https://www.thespruceeats.com/about-boniato-2137947 https://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Boniato_Sweet_Potatoes_1866.php https://www.producemarketguide.com/produce/boniato
http://www.lr21.com.uy/salud/1234690-propiedades-beneficios-boniato-salud?fbclid=IwAR22wkDUSTK2xhRPyZF5o1B-yZBJgZDVleTQMb_RdrtuCWZ2EXaksb8L3Iw