National Day

National Cook a Sweet Potato Day

Celebrated on 02/22/2026

Quick Fact

National Cook a Sweet Potato Day, celebrated annually on February 22, was created in 2015 by the Sweet Potato Council to honor the humble yet versatile sweet potato. Did you know that sweet potatoes are not actually potatoes but are root vegetables from the morning glory family? They're packed with vitamin A and fiber, making them a nutritious choice for any meal.

Origins and Establishment of National Cook a Sweet Potato Day

National Cook a Sweet Potato Day was established in 2015 by the Sweet Potato Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the consumption and appreciation of sweet potatoes. The date February 22 was chosen to fall during the peak of the sweet potato harvest season in the United States, encouraging people to incorporate this nutritious root vegetable into their winter meals. The holiday aims to highlight the versatility of sweet potatoes in both sweet and savory dishes, from classic baked sweet potatoes to innovative recipes like sweet potato fries, casseroles, and pies.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its inception, National Cook a Sweet Potato Day has grown in popularity, with food bloggers, chefs, and home cooks sharing creative recipes on social media using the hashtag #CookASweetPotatoDay. The holiday has also been embraced by nutritionists and health advocates who emphasize the vegetable's high content of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Modern celebrations often include cooking contests, tastings at farmers' markets, and educational events about the health benefits of sweet potatoes. Some communities host sweet potato-themed potlucks, while others simply enjoy a baked sweet potato as a comforting winter dish.

Facts & General Observations

  • Sweet potatoes are one of the oldest vegetables known to man, with evidence of their cultivation dating back over 5,000 years in Central and South America.
  • The United States produces about 2.5 billion pounds of sweet potatoes annually, with North Carolina leading as the top producer.
  • Despite their name, sweet potatoes are only distantly related to regular potatoes and are actually a type of root vegetable in the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae).

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