Camote deserves recognition as a resilient, nutritious crop, Edge Davao feature says

Sweet potato, or camote, should be seen as a resilient and highly nutritious crop rather than a symbol of poverty, according to a feature published in the agri-trends section of Edge Davao.

The piece notes that camote ranks sixth among the world's most important food crops, after rice, wheat, potato, corn and cassava, and fifth among staples in developing countries. More than 105 million metric tons are produced globally each year, about 95 percent of it in developing countries, including the Philippines.

Citing Philippine Statistics Authority data and agricultural reports, the feature puts the country's annual output of fresh sweet potato at about 504,411 metric tons, worth around PHP2,589 million. Eastern Visayas is the top producer at roughly 24.2 percent of national output, followed by Central Luzon, Caraga and Bicol.

The article points to the crop's record during crises, including typhoons in Japan, famines in China in the early 1960s and a cassava virus outbreak in Uganda in the 1990s. It adds that Filipinos often turn to camote during droughts, floods and typhoons. Citing Washington State University, however, it cautions that while the crop can withstand brief to moderate dry spells, a long and severe drought can badly damage its ability to produce edible roots.

On nutrition, the feature cites the Center for Science in the Public Interest, which ranked baked sweet potato first among vegetables in overall nutritional value. It says camote has the highest vitamin A content among root crops and one of the lowest glycemic indexes. Therapeutic dietitian Arlene May G. Corpus is quoted as saying the crop digests slowly, avoiding sudden blood sugar spikes, and adding: "That feeling of fullness helps control food intake."

The article also mentions test-tube and animal studies suggesting that anthocyanins in purple sweet potatoes may slow certain cancer cells and support brain health, while noting that more human studies are needed. It cites Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III's findings on the antioxidant and beta-carotene content of camote leaves, or talbos ng kamote.

The feature concludes that, amid challenges in food security, climate change and lifestyle diseases, camote may be part of the answer.