North Carolina designated the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) as the official state vegetable in 1995. Native Americans were growing sweet potatoes in North Carolina long before European colonization.
What state is known for sweet potatoes?
The largest producer of sweet potatoes in the United States is North Carolina which harvested 1.6 billion pounds in 2015 and has been responsible for most of the gains in recent years. California, Mississippi, and Louisiana are also notable sweet potato-producing States.
Which state grows the best sweet potatoes?
We're #1: NC's sweet potato production leads the nation#1. North Carolina's rank in sweet potato production among all 50 states, according to 2019 data from the USDA Agricultural Statistics Service. ... The number of states accounting for total US sweet potato production in 2019: ... 2 Billion. ... 61% ... $324 Million. ... Sampson County.
What are the top 5 states that produce sweet potatoes?
A warm weather vegetable, sweet potatoes are grown all across the United States, but nowhere more so than these five states.North Carolina. With the sweet potato as its state vegetable, it's no surprise that North Carolina is the No. ... Louisiana. ... California. ... Mississippi. ... Texas.
Why is the sweet potato the NC State vegetables?
In 1993, fourth graders from Elvie Street School in Wilson, North Carolina, were inspired by local Representative, Gene Arnold, to become involved in government. The students started a letter-writing campaign to the North Carolina General Assembly and requested that the sweet potato be named the state vegetable.
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