Thought to have originated between Mexico and Venezuela, the tasty sweet potato has now spread throughout the world, to become an important food in the Asia-Pacific region. In the highlands of Papua New Guinea, sweet potatoes provide 60 – 90 % of people’s energy requirements. It is an important staple in Timor-Leste and increasing in popularity in Australia and due to its health benefits; low glycaemic index and high beta-carotene levels. 80% of Australia’s sweet potatoes are grown in Queensland.