My Sweet Potato Has Veins—Is It Safe to Eat?

A sweet potato is one of the best types of produce you can put in your body: The spud is rich in a wealth of nutrients including fiber, potassium, vitamins C and D, and antioxidants while being a relatively inexpensive complex carb—pair all that with their versatility, and you’ll realize sweet potatoes are a goldmine. Their taste works in both sweet and savory situations, from holiday pies to cold-busting soups, and they’re filling enough to act as a substantial ingredient in a main dish rather than just a side. And if all that isn’t enough, they’re also very easy to cook—you can even steam them in the microwave. 

But if you’ve ever come across a sweet potato that’s so veiny it looks like it’s going to explode, we understand your concern. Fortunately, in this case, looks can be deceiving. You can proceed with your sweet potato as normal. And we promise, your sweet potato isn’t mad at you. 

So, Why Are My Sweet Potatoes Veiny? 

Those veiny strings in sweet potatoes are fibrous roots, and they’re completely normal—think of them as part of the potato’s circulatory system. 

“These roots are part of the sweet potato’s natural structure and are completely safe to eat,” says chef Adonis Icalina. “They might look a bit unusual, but they don’t affect the taste or nutritional value of the sweet potato. These veins can be more pronounced in certain varieties or due to specific growing conditions, such as hot and dry weather. The fibrous roots are essentially the plant’s way of transporting nutrients and water, much like the veins in our bodies.”

Can I Still Eat Veiny Sweet Potatoes? 

You can absolutely still eat veiny sweet potatoes. It’s possible you may even prefer them. Icalina says that although fibrous roots may add a little more texture, they won’t affect the dish’s flavor.

“Whether you’re roasting, mashing, or making a sweet potato pie, you can use veiny sweet potatoes just as you would any other,” he says. “In fact, some chefs believe that these fibrous roots can add a unique character to the dish, providing a slight variation in texture that can be quite pleasant.” 

That extra toothsomeness could be welcome in mashed sweet potatoes or a sweet potato pie, for instance. It really all depends on your preference. However, if you’d rather have a flawlessly smooth dish, you can easily remove veins from cooked sweet potatoes with a hand or stand mixer. 

Unlike sprouted potatoes, veiny sweet potatoes pose no danger of solanine poisoning. If you see anything weird on the outside of your potato, cut it off, and if it’s completely covered, throw it out.