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Cultivar Variety

Hayman

Open-Pollinated · Heirloom

Sweet PotatoIpomoea batatas

Hayman is a storied white-fleshed heirloom sweet potato dating to 1856, prized along the Mid-Atlantic coast for its syrup-rich sweetness when roasted.

Variety details

Distinguishing Traits

Hayman produces tubers with pale tan to light greenish-cream skin and distinctive greenish-white to pale yellow flesh. When properly cured and baked, the flesh turns exceedingly moist, soft, and syrupy sweet.

Uses

Traditionally roasted in its jacket until juices caramelize, Hayman is prized in Mid-Atlantic coastal cuisine for side dishes, holiday roasts, and sweet potato biscuits.

Historical Origin

Brought to Virginia's Eastern Shore in 1856 by merchant sea captain Daniel Hayman from the Caribbean, Hayman was preserved for generations across the Delmarva Peninsula and North Carolina Outer Banks. It has been recognized on the Slow Food Ark of Taste for its cultural and regional significance.

Sources

3 sources

Botanical Lineage

Taxonomic Rank
Biological Classification (Taxonomic Ranks)
Other Sweet Potato Varieties (5)

General identification, edible-use, and cultivation information only — not medical or safety advice. It may be incomplete or wrong; do not eat or use a plant medicinally, or make growing decisions, based only on this page.