In this study, we investigated the cultural activity, promotion of dietary education, and the use of the stem and leaf of the sweet potato in the kindergartens and nursery schools of Matsue City, using a questionnaire survey. The results of the survey showed that 98％ of the nursery schools have a general dietary education plan, whereas only 67％ of the kindergartens have one. The crops most used for cultivation in the dietary education activity are the sweet potato, eggplant, green pepper, and tomato. Further, the stem and leaf of the sweet potato were utilized in 50％ of the kindergartens. It was found that the stem and leaf of the sweet potato are used for purposes other than eating, including making leashes, jumping ropes, and ropes for tugs-of-war. We measured physical properties of the leafstalk which was harvested in August and November and found that the stalk in November is slightly softer than that of August. Furthermore, we clarified that it is possible to make it soft by boiling or firm by frying. Therefore, it is suggested that applications to dietary education material are related to the digestive power of infants.
