1. Jack D. Osman Towson University ©Jack D. Osman, 2002

2. Although Sweetpotatoes have been rated* as one of the best vegetables for overall nutrition, per capita consumption continues to decline. In 1949 per capita consumption was 13.9 pounds; the estimate for the year 2000 is 4.6 pounds/year. *Nutrition Action Health Letter and The Center for Science in the Public Interest. ©Jack D. Osman, 2002

3. US Per Capita Use of SweetPotatoes, 1970-2000 1970197119721973197419751976197719781979 5.44.9 5 5.4 4.74.95.1 1980198119821983198419851986198719881989 4.44.75.54.64.95.44.4 4.1 1990199119921993199419951996199719981999 4.644.33.94.74.54.64.54.14 2000 (Forecast) 4.6 Source: Economic Research Service/USDA Vegetables and Specialties Situation and Outlook Yearbook July/2000 ©Jack D. Osman, 2002

4. USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 14 (July 2001) Nutrient Units Value per 100 grams edible portion 1 medium (2" dia, 5" long, raw) 114.0 g Proximates Waterg72.8583.049 Energykcal103117.420 Proteing1.721.961 Total lipid (fat)g0.110.125 Carbohydrateg24.2727.668 Fiber, total dietaryg3.03.420 Sweetpotato, cooked, baked in skin

5. ©Jack D. Osman, 2002 Minerals 100 grams medium 114 grams Calcium, Camg28 31.920 Iron, Femg0.45 0.513 Magnesium, Mgmg20 22.800 Phosphorus, Pmg55 62.700 Potassium, Kmg348 396.720 Sodium, Namg10 11.400 Zinc, Znmg0.29 0.331 Copper, Cumg0.208 0.237 Manganese, Mnmg0.560 0.638 Selenium, Semcg0.7 0.798

6. ©Jack D. Osman, 2002 Vitamins Vitamin C, ascorbic acidmg24.628.044 Thiaminmg0.0730.083 Riboflavinmg0.1270.145 Niacinmg0.6040.689 Pantothenic acidmg0.6460.736 Vitamin B-6mg0.2410.275 Folate, totalmcg2326.220 Vitamin B-12mcg0.000.000 Vitamin A, IUIU2182224877.080 Vitamin A, REmcg_RE21822487.480 Vitamin Emg_ATE0.2800.319

7. ©Jack D. Osman, 2002 Amino acids Tryptophang0.0210.024 Threonineg0.0860.098 Isoleucineg0.0860.098 Leucineg0.1260.144 Lysineg0.0850.097 Methionineg0.0420.048 Cystineg0.0140.016 Phenylalanineg0.1030.117 Tyrosineg0.0710.081 Valineg0.1120.128 Arginineg0.0800.091 Histidineg0.0320.036

8. ©Jack D. Osman, 2002 Within the next few years nutrition educators will be moving from the “5 A Day” theme to “7 Fruits and Vegetables Per Day.” It would benefit the collective sweetpotato industry if a planned advocacy program were begun now. Three servings of sweetpotatoes per week would be a reasonable goal. ©Jack D. Osman, 2002

9. Sweetpotatoes have natural cancer-fighting nutrients. The “A.C.E.” vitamins which act as anti- oxidants during the initiation stage of cancer. Ten percent of the daily fiber to help protect against digestive system cancers. Very low fat – both cancer & heart-smart! ©Jack D. Osman, 2002

10. The nation’s nutrition would be enhanced -- naturally. Per capita consumption would climb to over 30 pounds per year! Creative and healthy value-added sweetpotato products will be needed. A well-thought out advertising campaign needs to be developed. ©Jack D. Osman, 2002

11. Sweetpotato Mandarin Orange Liqueur ©Jack D. Osman, 2002

12. Sweetpotato Cinnamon Apple Raisin Blend ©Jack D. Osman, 2002

18. Lila Brown: my oldest Sweetpotato fan ©Jack D. Osman, 2002

19. Fasciation (Hernandez) ©Jack D. Osman, 2002

22. G. W. Carver 1865-1943

23. ©Jack D. Osman, 2002

30. The ugly duckling! ©Jack D. Osman, 2002