This sweet potato varietal is grown in the Caribbean, and is a starchier cousin to the common sweet potato. The batata has a smooth skin and a white flesh on the inside, so when you are selecting batatas for purchase choose pieces that are firm to the touch and have few blemishes on the skin. Once purchased keep in a cool dry place for up to one week, and may be purchased year-round. Batatas are generally used in soups and stews, or as a replacement for sweet potatoes.