Sweet potato leaves have long been known as an affordable and digestive-friendly vegetable. They are a rich source of vitamins B6, C, and B2, containing three times, five times, and ten times the amount found in sweet potato roots, respectively. This makes the leaves a highly nutritious food, offering a wide range of health benefits.
In Japan, sweet potato leaves are revered as “longevity vegetables” due to their abundant nutritional profile. These leaves are a good source of pectin and antioxidants, which help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and strokes. Consuming these leaves also supports eye health, stabilizes blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and boosts the immune system.
Sweet potato leaves are especially rich in vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of certain cancers, such as colorectal and prostate cancer. Additionally, studies suggest that vitamin K can improve liver function in patients with liver cancer when supplemented daily.
In traditional medicine, sweet potato leaves are believed to have cooling properties, aiding in body heat reduction and detoxification of the digestive system, as well as vital organs like the liver and kidneys.
Sweet potato leaves, specifically the young leaves that sprout from the vine after the sweet potatoes have matured in autumn, possess powerful antioxidant properties. They help eliminate harmful free radicals from the body and offer a multitude of health benefits, including improved immunity, slower aging, reduced inflammation, and cancer prevention.
Sweet potato leaves are the young, tender leaves that sprout from the vine after the sweet potatoes have matured in the autumn.
In the following section, we will guide you through three delicious and nutritious recipes featuring sweet potato leaves that your family will surely enjoy!
Sweet Potato Leaf Cakes
Ingredients
– 1 handful of fresh sweet potato leaves
– 2 eggs
– 200g flour
– A pinch of five-spice powder
– A few drops of sesame oil
– A pinch of pepper
– A pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Wash the sweet potato leaves thoroughly and pat them dry. There is no need to remove the stems. Chop the leaves into small pieces.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped sweet potato leaves, flour, and eggs. Add a pinch of five-spice powder, salt, and a few drops of sesame oil. Gradually add water and mix until you achieve a dough with a soft, slightly sticky consistency.
Step 3: Heat a pan over the stove and spray the surface with cooking oil. Take small portions of the dough and flatten them into patties. Fry these patties until both sides are golden brown and crispy. Repeat this process until all the dough is used.
Your delicious and nutritious sweet potato leaf cakes are now ready to be served!
Sweet Potato Leaf Cakes
Sweet Potato Leaf and Silver Fish Soup
Ingredients
– 500g fresh silver fish
– 1 handful of sweet potato leaves (mainly the leaves and young shoots)
– A few slices of ginger
– 10g goji berries
– A pinch of pepper
– Cooking oil as needed
– Seasoning to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Select fresh and tender sweet potato leaves along with the young shoots. Wash them thoroughly and soak them in diluted salt water for about 15 minutes to remove any bacteria.
Step 2: Clean and gut the silver fish. Marinate them with ginger slices, a pinch of pepper, and seasoning for about 15 minutes. In a pot, bring water to a boil, add the fish, reduce the heat, and cook until the fish turns white.
Step 3: Blanch the sweet potato leaves in boiling water to remove any bitterness, then immediately plunge them into cold water to retain their green color. Add the leaves to the boiling fish soup. You may add a few drops of cooking oil, but this is optional. Cook until the leaves are tender, then turn off the heat.
Finally, ladle the soup into a bowl, sprinkle with pepper, and garnish with goji berries that have been soaked in warm water. This nutritious soup is not only delicious but also beneficial for your health, helping to boost energy and support liver health.
Sweet Potato Leaf and Silver Fish Soup
Noodle Soup with Clams and Sweet Potato Leaves
Ingredients
– 200g fresh noodles
– 300g fresh clams
– 1 handful of young sweet potato leaves
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– Seasoning to taste
– 1 tablespoon of chicken broth
Instructions
Step 1: Wash the sweet potato leaves and set them aside to drain. Soak the clams in water for a few hours to remove any sand. Heat a pot over the stove, add a little cooking oil, and wait for it to heat up. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the sweet potato leaves and stir-fry until they turn a deep green color.
Step 2: When the leaves are slightly wilted, add just enough water to the pot and bring it to a boil. Meanwhile, blanch the fresh noodles in boiling water to soften them, then add them to the pot along with the leaves.
Step 3: Finally, add the clams to the pot and continue boiling until they open up. Season to taste and add chicken broth for extra flavor, according to your preference. Once everything is cooked, serve the noodle soup with clams and sweet potato leaves immediately while it’s still hot.
This nourishing dish has a sweet and refreshing taste, making it an excellent choice for a family meal.
Noodle Soup with Clams and Sweet Potato Leaves
The Magic of a Drop: A Simple Hack to Save You Money
The humble tiger balm, a household staple, has a myriad of surprising uses beyond its well-known medicinal properties. From freshening up musty rooms to repelling insects and even cleaning your phone, this versatile remedy is a true multi-tasker.
What Are the Benefits of Soaking Peppercorns in White Vinegar?
Soaking peppercorns in white vinegar is a simple yet versatile trick up your sleeve. This age-old method packs a punch when it comes to cleaning, health, and even gardening hacks.
Gotu Kola: Summer’s Wild Superfood, Unlocking Brain-Boosting, Skin-Glowing Delicious Recipes
June is here and with it comes a natural bounty – Centella Asiatica, or Gotu Kola as it’s commonly known. This humble herb is more than just a ‘brain booster’, it’s a cooling, detoxifying and beautifying wonder.
Why You Should Avoid Eating Raw Wood Ear Mushrooms: A Word of Caution for Home Cooks
Dried mushrooms are a culinary staple, known for their intense flavor and versatility. While most fresh produce is prized for its peak freshness, the shiitake mushroom is an exception, requiring a unique drying process to unlock its full potential. This transformative step enhances its flavor, making it a beloved ingredient in countless dishes worldwide.
The Power of Fresh Orange Juice: Unlocking Your Child’s Academic Potential and Reducing Exam Stress
Orange juice is a popular beverage, especially among those with young children to care for. But did you know it can also provide numerous benefits for your child’s brain development?
