NC celebrates all things sweetpotato

They spell "sweetpotato" as one word to "align with the scientific spelling and to avoid confusion with the white potato," according to the commission.

But what makes North Carolina sweet potatoes so different from ones grown elsewhere?

The conditions mean that sweetpotatoes can be sourced year-round, which has helped the state become the No. 1 sweetpotato producing state in the country.

While we are often thinking about sweetpotatoes around Fall, Grainger said that the commission has been focused on sharing recipes that are beyond the traditional pie or baked variety.

"The North Carolina sweet potato commission has many recipes that utilize sweet potato as a natural sweetener for their desserts and sweet treats," Grainger said, noting she has seen sweetpotato mixed with chocolate to make cake icing.

"We even have sweetpotato smoothies, which are an excellent, refreshing, item to have during summer," Grainger said.