You may have seen some YouTube videos of potatoes exploding in the microwave. What the creators of those videos don’t tell you is that it was done on purpose for dramatic effect. However, don’t let those videos detour you from enjoying those delicious spuds prepared quickly and easily in the microwave.

What many people don’t know is that potatoes are one of the more microwavable veggies, as long as you do it correctly. Sweet potatoes are a healthy alternative to regular potatoes and processed foods, providing vitamins and a good source of fiber. They’re filling and surprisingly easy to cook with the right tools. You have several options for preparing sweet potatoes, but one of our favorite methods uses your microwave.

It’s time to take advantage of the health benefits and great taste sweet potatoes have to offer. Here’s how to cook a sweet potato in the microwave and get the best results. Plus, we’ve answered a few questions you may have about the process.

Microwaving provides a quick, effective cooking method. The only thing you have to do to prepare is to poke holes into the potato to release pressure (unless you’re making a YouTube video). We can do so much better than that, however.

Let’s talk about the humble sweet potato. It’s such a versatile option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, sweet or savory. Here’s what you need to know.

There’s a rumor going around saying that microwaves kill off nutrients. Fortunately for everyone’s schedule, this isn’t true.

Microwaving is a safe and time-efficient method for cooking a lot of things. In fact, microwaving may help retain some of the water-soluble vitamins present in the sweet potato flesh. Plus, anything that helps you cook more efficiently so that you actually eat healthier options like sweet potatoes is a good thing.

If you don’t want the skin, you can cook a sweet potato just fine without it. This method can help you add your potato to salads or mixed into other dishes. We encourage you to cook your sweet potato with the skins on sometimes, however. The skins are rich in fiber and prebiotic material that can help keep your digestive system healthy.

Sweet potato microwave time varies depending on the size of the potato and how you cut it. Cook it too long, and it will explode. Undercook it, and you’ll have something inedible. It’s best to start on the short side and cook in short bursts until you’re finished.

A standard, medium-sized sweet potato should take four to five minutes in the microwave. Listen for popping sounds and cook in short bursts of 30 or so seconds until it’s completely done. Be flexible when deciding how long to cook a sweet potato in the microwave.

One standard-sized sweet potato has nearly 400% of your daily serving of vitamin A. This can keep your eyes healthier as well as support your skin and immune system. It offers around 3.9 grams of fiber and two grams of protein per potato. With approximately 26 complex carbs, you’ll have a meal all in one.

In addition to that, sweet potatoes contain vitamins and minerals in their rich skin, supporting a variety of bodily systems. They’re filling and help add bulk to a simple salad, can be worked into an omelet, or just make a simple meal on the go.

Build your sweet potato repertoire with some of our favorites:

These sweet potatoes are a dietary staple. They’re so easy to cook and can help make a meal out of just about anything. Now that you’ve got such a versatile ingredient, you can open up your recipe book and get those essential vitamins and minerals you need while helping care for your immune system and digestion.

If you need one small step toward a more healthy life, this is your chance. A microwave sweet potato takes just a few minutes, but the benefits are great. It’s time to build your healthy recipes one simple sweet potato at a time.

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