Sweet potatoes have experienced a culinary resurgence in many eateries across the country. The plant has even infiltrated many staple Japanese dishes in the U.S., including the beloved sweet potato mochi balls in Hawaii. If you haven't jumped on the bandwagon yet, here's a closer look at the root's nutritional draw.

What’s a Sweet Potato?

While sweet potatoes are a common Thanksgiving side dish in the U.S., they're native to Central and South America. Although they’re called potatoes, this food is actually a tuber, which is an edible, lateral root. The plant is also naturally sweet, making it a perfect base for baked and fried treats, like mochi balls.

While there are multiple varieties, the most common one features a bright orange interior wrapped in thin, coppery-brown skin. When preparing the root, both the skin and flesh may be used.

What’s the Nutritional Value?

Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients, including calcium, potassium, folate, and vitamin A. They also provide a significant amount of fiber. The amount provided of each vitamin and mineral depends on the size of the root and how it's prepared.

Since most sweet potato mochi balls involve boiling the plant to create a puree, a higher amount of beta-carotene is saved during the cooking process. Additionally, the plant is completely free of saturated and trans fat.

What Are the Health Benefits?

The high-fiber content of sweet potato is a key component of a healthy digestive tract as the fiber speeds digestion and reduces unpleasant issues, like irregularity. The root’s vitamin A content boosts immune function and enhances vision, while the calcium aids the body's metabolic functions. With such positive health benefits, it's easy to enjoy sweet potato mochi balls as a guilt-free dessert.

If you want to try this root, indulge in the sweet potato mochi balls at Teruya's Andagi in Honolulu, HI. Since 1984, this local eatery has offered Oahu kamaaina and visitors delicious Japanese food, including mochi balls, bentos, and donburi. View their menu online, or call (808) 389-1714 to place a takeout order. Read the latest customer reviews on Yelp.