Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash and scrub the skins lightly to remove any dirt and soil. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Trim the ends and cut out any bad spots if necessary.
Rub or lightly spray the sweet potatoes with olive or avocado oil. This step is optional but recommended for a crispy, delicious skin. Sprinkle the potatoes with coarse sea salt evenly.
Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until they are tender and the skins are slightly crispy.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before serving.
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Purple sweet potatoes, also known as Okinawan sweet potatoes, are a distinct variety of sweet potato with a vibrant purple flesh. They are known for their unique color, which is due to the presence of anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant. These sweet potatoes are not only visually striking but also pack a nutritional punch, being rich in vitamins, fiber, and phytonutrients.
Purple sweet potatoes offer a flavor profile that is slightly different from their orange counterparts. They are known for their pleasantly sweet and nutty taste, with a hint of earthiness. Their texture is denser and creamier, making them ideal for baking. The sweetness is subtle, which pairs well with a variety of seasonings and cooking methods.