Crop Trust Crop Trust 151d ago
Opportunity Crops: Sweetpotato Leaves

Opportunity Crops: Sweetpotato Leaves

Sweetpotato is grown in more than 100 countries. Drought tolerant and adaptable, it supports food security worldwide. In parts of Africa and Asia, the leaves are eaten daily:boiled, sautéed, or cooked in stews. Rich in vitamins A, C and K, minerals and antioxidants, sweetpotato leaves are highly nutritious. These leaves are staples in traditional diets but rarely reach formal markets. The varieties grown for their leaves are different from those bred for their edible roots. In Tanzania, women lead the growing, harvesting and selling of fresh sweetpotato leaves. Opening more markets could create new income and business opportunities. With better varieties, supply chains and policy support, they could hit supermarket shelves. This opportunity crop offers more than food. It brings better nutrition, stronger economies and greater resilience.