Summer adventures can often take people just about anywhere, from down the street at the neighborhood pool to across the country on a family road trip. Wherever the action takes you this summer, remember to stay refreshed and energized with easy snacks that provide the nutrition you need.

 

For example, these Sweetpotato Summer Rolls offer a flavorful way to recharge after some time in the sun. Made with peanut butter, celery sticks and North Carolina Sweetpotatoes, they’re ideal for serving your family following a day of fun.

 

Classified as a “diabetes superfood” by the American Diabetes Association, sweetpotatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, all of which are good for overall health. Plus, they offer a natural sweetener without the added sugar.

 

Consider these additional sweetpotato facts as you prepare for summer excitement.

 

Versatile

As one of the most versatile vegetables that’s easy to add to a variety of recipes for enhancing flavor and nutrition content, sweetpotatoes can be a key ingredient in both simple or elevated and sweet or savory dishes. They can be cooked and prepared on the stove, baked, microwaved, grilled or slow cooked.

 

One-Word Spelling

“Sweetpotato” should be spelled as one word, even if you aren’t familiar with that spelling. In fact, the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission deliberately spells it as one word (a practice adopted by the National Sweetpotato Collaborators in 1989) as a way for shippers, distributors, warehouse workers and consumers to avoid confusion with the equally unique and distinctive white potato or yam.

 

Shelf Life and Storage

Not only are sweetpotatoes abundant and found in just about any grocery store or farmers market, but they also have a long shelf life – up to 4 weeks if stored properly in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources.

 

Ideal for Athletes

Due to their high carbohydrate content, sweetpotatoes are solutions for both before and after exercise sessions. With complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and aid in muscle repair, sweetpotatoes can elevate both endurance and recovery.

 

Find more summertime recipe ideas by visiting ncsweetpotatoes.com.

 

 

Sweetpotato Summer Rolls

Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission

Servings: 4

 

2 1/2    cups North Carolina Sweetpotatoes

2          tablespoons olive oil

2          teaspoons sesame seeds

3          tablespoons maple syrup

salt, to taste

coarse pepper, to taste

4          celery sticks

1          red pepper

2          tablespoons creamy peanut butter

1/3       cup hot water

1/4       cup soy cooking cream

1          tablespoon soy sauce

12        sheets rice paper (22-centimeter diameter)

2          tablespoons chopped, roasted peanuts

 

Peel sweetpotatoes and cut into 1-centimeter thick strips.

 

In skillet, heat olive oil. Fry sweetpotato strips 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally; sprinkle with sesame seeds, deglaze with maple syrup and boil down briefly. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and let cool.

 

Wash celery and red pepper; cut into strips.

 

Mix peanut butter with water, cream and soy sauce.

 

Let rice paper sheets swell according to package instructions.

 

Spread strips of sweetpotato, celery and red pepper on top half of one sheet rice paper. Drizzle with sauce. Fold lower half over strips then edges.

 

Repeat with remaining rice paper sheets and ingredients. Sprinkle summer rolls with chopped peanuts. Serve with remaining sauce.