Sweet potatoes are primarily grown in several key regions around the world. The main areas include:
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United States: The southeastern U.S. is the largest producer, particularly in states like North Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, and California.
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China: China is the world's largest producer of sweet potatoes, with significant cultivation in provinces like Yunnan, Sichuan, and Jiangsu.
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Africa: Several countries in Africa grow sweet potatoes, with notable production in Nigeria, Uganda, and Tanzania.
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South America: Countries like Brazil and Peru cultivate sweet potatoes, contributing to their local diets and economies.
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Japan: Sweet potatoes are a popular crop in Japan, especially the varieties known as "satsumaimo."
These regions take advantage of the optimal growing conditions for sweet potatoes, which thrive in warm climates with well-drained soil.