Sweet Potatoes Production in Australia (2019)

Overview of Sweet Potatoes

The majority of sweet potatoes grown in Australia are produced in Queensland. Smaller volumes are grown in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. This vegetable originated in Central and South America. But archaeologists have found prehistoric remnants of sweet potato in Polynesia from about A.D. 1000 to A.D. 1100, according to radiocarbon dating. They’ve hypothesized that those ancient samples came from the western coast of South America. 

Statistics

As of June 2019:

1. The supply per capita was recorded at 3.5 kg, based on the volume supplied.
2. 92,746 tonnes of this vegetable was produced and valued at $66.4 million. Out of this 4% was sent to processing.
3. 64% of Australians households purchased this vegetable, buying an average of 758 grams per shopping trip.

Health Benefits

Sweet potatoes are a natural and abundant source of beta-carotene and Vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential in helping the body fight off infections, and remain resistant to any further infections. This vegetable contains essential fibres and magnesium that are critical in the prevention and management of diabetes. The vegetables also have a moderately low glycemic index that also aids in the regulation of blood glucose levels. Sweet potatoes are an important source of magnesium, whose deficiency has been reported to be linked with a higher risk of depression, stress and anxiety. Thus, this vegetable can replenish the body’s magnesium levels and help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety-related behaviours in individuals. The presence of anthocyanins and choline in it make the vegetables an essential dietary source in the prevention and reduction of chronic inflammation in the body.

Major Sweet Potato Production Areas

Sweet potatoes are predominantly grown in Queensland. Some of the major production areas include the Atherton Tablelands, Bundaberg and the Lockyer Valley in Queensland.

Article by: Hari Yellina (Orchard Tech)