KOMPAS.com – Cilembu sweet potato, one of the superior sweet potato varieties from Sumedang, West Java, is known for its unique feature: a sweet taste that resembles honey.
Unlike ordinary sweet potatoes, the unique sweet taste of this sweet potato is the main attraction that differentiates it from other varieties.
Where does this sweet taste actually come from? Does the sweetness come from adding sugar or honey when boiling?
Also read: How to cook Cilembu sweet potatoes so they are sweet and soft
The answer is no.
The sweet taste of Cilembu sweet potatoes comes from a sticky, honey-like liquid that comes out when the sweet potatoes are baked or in the oven.
This liquid is the result of the natural process of caramelization of the sugar contained in sweet potatoes when exposed to high temperatures.
The roasting process breaks down the complex sugar structure in sweet potatoes into simple sugars, resulting in a more intense sweet taste and distinctive aroma.
However, this sweet taste is not maximized immediately after the sweet potatoes are harvested. Cilembu sweet potatoes need to be stored for 5-7 days before processing.
Also read: Recipe for Durian Banana Sweet Potato Compote, a sweet and warm snack
During this storage period, the water content in the sweet potato decreases slightly, the sugar concentration increases, and the texture of the sweet potato becomes softer.
This is why the sweet taste of Cilembu sweet potatoes will be more pronounced after proper storage and roasting.
Environmental factors and superior varieties
The unique taste of Cilembu sweet potatoes cannot be separated from the environmental factors in which they grow. The Cilembu, Cadas Pangeran, and Jatinangor areas have ideal soil and climate conditions for growing sweet potatoes.
Illustration of Cilembu sweet potato
The mineral content of the soil and local cultivation techniques also influence the sweet taste characteristics.
Apart from that, the Cilembu variety is genetically different from other sweet potatoes. The special sap that produces liquid honey is only found in this variety, making it known as honey tuber.
Processing that makes it sweet
Cilembu sweet potatoes are usually processed in the oven for 30-90 minutes depending on their size.
The right baking temperature allows the liquid honey to release, creating a layer of mouth-watering caramel.
Also read: Can Diabetics Eat Boiled Sweet Potatoes? This is the explanation
After processing, these sweet potatoes can last up to 2-3 days at room temperature or longer if stored in the refrigerator.
Apart from being baked, Cilembu sweet potatoes are also processed into various products such as chips, tape, dodol, noodles, and even syrup.
This product range not only extends shelf life, but also increases its economic value.
Listen breaking news And selected news we’re right on your phone. Choose your favorite news channel to access Kompas.com WhatsApp Channel: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaFPbedBPzjZrk13HO3D. Make sure you have installed the WhatsApp application.
