Yaki Imo Taste Test: 7 Sweet Potatoes Compared

This post is for all the yaki imo lovers out there! In this taste test, I compared seven popular varieties to determine how each one differs in sweetness and texture. Whether you like your sweet potatoes rich and creamy or light and fluffy, you’re sure to find your favorite here.

Curious about sweet potato varieties? Check out Types of Japanese Sweet Potatoes and Their Flavors!

About This Taste Test

I compared seven types of Japanese sweet potatoes by roasting them at 180°C (356°F) for 60 minutes (see the yaki imo recipe for details). Each variety has its own unique flavor, texture, and sweetness. Below, you’ll find a quick summary of how they turned out!

1. Beni Haruka (紅はるか)

Known as Japan’s sweetest sweet potato, Beni Haruka has a smooth texture and deep, rich sweetness. It’s the ultimate creamy yaki imo. You can see the full recipe here: Beni Haruka Yaki Imo.

2. Annou Imo (安納芋)

Annou Imo is high in moisture and becomes soft, creamy, and syrupy when roasted, developing a sweet, caramel-like flavor. You can see the full recipe here: Annou Imo Yaki Imo.

3. Silk Sweet (シルクスイート)

Just as its name suggests, Silk Sweet has a silky-smooth texture and a light, elegant sweetness. Compared to Beni Haruka or Annou Imo, its flavor is milder and more delicate. You can see the full recipe here: Silk Sweet Yaki Imo.

4. Naruto Kintoki (鳴門金時)

Known for its elegant, gentle sweetness and light, chestnut-like flavor. A classic variety often used for Japanese sweets as well as yaki imo.

5. Beni Azuma (紅あずま)

Widely grown across Japan for its excellent balance of flavor and texture. With its low fiber content and mild sweetness, it’s perfect not only for yaki imo but also for savory dishes like tempura.

6. Kuri Kaguya (栗かぐや)

This variety has a mild sweetness and a chestnut-like flavor. Its texture is fluffy and slightly dry, perfect for those who prefer a lighter, less sticky yaki imo.

7. Purple Sweet Lord (パープルスイートロード)

This pale purple sweet potato is sweeter than most purple varieties. It has a gentle flavor and a beautiful color.

Flavor & Texture Comparison

Here’s how each yaki imo variety compares in sweetness and texture.

Variety	Sweetness	Texture
Beni Haruka	★★★★★	Dense & tender
Annou Imo	★★★★★	Rich & creamy
Silk Sweet	★★★★☆	Smooth & soft
Beni Azuma	★★★☆☆	Fluffy & moist
Kuri Kaguya	★★★★☆	Fluffy & moist
Naruto Kintoki	★★★☆☆	Fluffy & moist
Purple Sweet Lord	★★☆☆☆	Fluffy & dry

My Recommendation

Each variety has its own charm! If you love rich sweetness and a creamy texture, try Beni Haruka or Annou Imo. They’re absolutely irresistible. If you prefer something milder and smoother, Silk Sweet is a perfectly balanced choice.

Which yaki imo would you like to try? Let me know in the comments!