Kagoshima and Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potato in Japanese is Satsumaimo. Kagoshima was historically known as the “Satsuma” domain, thus a Kagoshima grown sweet potato was named Satsumaimo (imo meaning potato in Japanese). Sweet potatoes were traditionally grown in Kagoshima and then spread to the rest of Japan. Today, Kagoshima ranks number one as a sweet potato producer in Japan. Its production accounts for about 40 percent of the national total.
Why is Kagoshima the number one producer of sweet potato?
Kagoshima is home to Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. Thanks to Sakurajima, the region’s soil is well-drained and rich in volcanic ash, an environment ideal for sweet potato cultivation.
Furthermore, since sweet potatoes are a crop that grows underground, they are relatively resistant to wind damage. For Kagoshima, where typhoons often hit, sweet potatoes’ resistance to wind damage is an advantageous trait than other crops don't have, which is why sweet potatoes became a crop for major production in the area.
Honey Potato
Our sweet potato brand, Honey Potato, has been researched and cultivated for many years. Honey potato is rich in sweetness like honey and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Sweet potatoes are known to be a highly nutritious food. They are full of vitamins and minerals that are said to be effective in preventing lifestyle-related diseases such as cancer, high blood pressure, and arteriosclerosis as listed below.
・ Rich in potassium which increases sodium excretion and lowers blood pressure
・Rich in dietary fiber which improves the intestinal condition and is effective in preventing and relieving constipation
・ Rich in Anthocyanins with antioxidant properties that reduce carcinogenesis and prevent aging (in purple potatoes)
・Rich in beta-carotene, a lipid antioxidant that inhibits the growth of cancer cells (orange potatoes)
・Lowers blood cholesterol and controls blood sugar levels
