Sweetpotato leaves wilt quickly. They’re harvested in the early morning and usually consumed by nighttime.

We wanted to see them nice and fresh so we ventured to the Singida market as the sun rose. We found leafy green vendors, Domina, Rahel and Mwasiti, setting up shop. They pulled out African nightshade, amaranth, mustard greens and sweetpotato leaves.

Business was pretty slow at that hour of the day so the three women and I had fun as I got them to pose for photos with their leafy greens. I didn’t have to try hard to get early morning smiles. They were just by nature joyous and loads of fun.

I must suggest to the nutritionists that they study the Happiness Index of African leafy greens. If these women eat what they sell, surely there must be a link to greens and joy.