Why do white potatoes cook faster than sweet potatoes?

[Earl Snake-Hips Tucker]

I’m aware that although they both carry the name “potato” that they are plants from totally different families. A white potato seems to cook quicker in a microwave than a sweet potato of similar size. (Maybe in a convection oven, too, but I’ve never tried to time them.) Is there a reason, or is there a flaw in my anecdotal observations?

[panache45]

Originally Posted by Earl Snake-Hips Tucker

. . . they are plants from totally different families.

You answered your own question. The only similarity is that they have similar names in English, but they're entirely different vegetables.

[Manduck]

My guess: greater moisture content in the just plain potato.

[xash]

Moved to CS.

-xash
General Questions Moderator

[irishgirl]

IMHO sweet potatos cook faster than white ones!
I usually boil sweet potatoes for 15 minutes, and white potatoes for 20.
It seems to work.