The real yam is definitely a tuber from a tropical vine and is no relation at all to a sweet potato. "True" yams are often confused with a sweet potato and the sweet potato suffers from the same fate. The "true" yam is a very popular vegetable in Latin America, Caribbean and Africa. Yet it is hard to find this elusive vegetable in the United States, but it is gaining in popularity.
The yam may be located in local Asian and African markets. It is possible that it could be located in some local American groceries but you would have to search. Why is all of this so important and who really cares? Well, it is a completely different vegetable than the one passed off as a yam. It also has some very excellent nutritional value, which I will go into a little later in this informative article.
The true yam is found in several hundred varieties with the fleshy part including many colors such as white, ivory, yellow or purple. The thick skin of the yam is usually brownish black. Here is the part where a difference is encountered as your sweet potato may grow 8-12 inches long and your yam can grow to SEVEN FEET. You will also find when cooking a true yam that the texture is slippery and has a starchy appearance. The taste can be described as somewhat earthy and hardy. This does not describe the well-known yams that appear on many American holiday plates. The real answer to the headline is your holiday yam is really a sweet potato. It has been sold as a yam but it is really an orange-colored sweet potato. This resulted from producers of this type of sweet potato trying to distinguish it from the white-fleshed sweet potato recognized by most people.
This is not to infer that yams are not a desirable vegetable since they are a great source of vitamin B6. The high consumption of vitamin B6 has indicated a reduction in the risk of heart disease. The "true" yam will most likely be sold in chunks or pieces sealed in plastic wrap. It would definitely be a struggle to wrestle with a seven-foot tuber weighing nearly 150 pounds. The yam is also a good source for potassium, which assists in controlling blood pressure. A storage protein known as "dioscorin" may also be of benefit to those suffering from hypertension.
"True" yams usually can replace a sweet potato in any recipe calling for sweet potatoes. There is one condition that sets it off from sweet potatoes; a yam can't be eaten in a raw state, as they are toxic prior to cooking. It is not wise to store uncooked yams in your refrigerator but keep them in a cool, dark place that is well ventilated for up to ten days. You should not store them in the sealed plastic bag but should be stored loose.
After all of that you can really enjoy "true yams" by making a puree of the yam and adding a little milk and season with tamari, coriander, cumin and cayenne for a delectable taste. A good stir-fry can be made adding chunks of it to fennel, onions and mushrooms. Isn't it time you tried something different? I am sure this vegetable will be easier to find in large cities than in rural areas, but it is certainly worth the time to seek it out.
Keywords: vegetable gardening,gardening,home vegetable gardening
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