The white substance you sometimes see inside a sweet potato is sap that comes out when the cell walls of the plant are damaged.
That's right, that milky or whitish liquid isn't a sign of spoilage. It's actually a natural part of the sweet potato and is more noticeable when the sweet potato is very fresh. When a sweet potato is cut, its cell walls are broken, releasing sap. This sap is often mistaken for mold or something undesirable, but it is completely harmless.
Here are some key points to understand about the white substance in sweet potatoes:
- It's sap: The white substance is simply the plant's sap.
- Indication of freshness: It usually indicates a fresh sweet potato.
- Harmless: It is completely safe to consume.
- Enzymatic reaction: Cutting or damaging the potato activates enzymes that cause this liquid to be released.
Think of it like when you cut an apple and it turns brown. That's also an enzymatic reaction!
So, next time you see a white substance inside your sweet potato, don't worry. It's just a sign that you have a fresh sweet potato ready to be enjoyed.
