African Yam , CARIBBEAN FRESH produce,NOT SWEET POTATO

African yam, a tuber from the Dioscorea plant family, is a versatile ingredient commonly used in African, Asian, Latin American, and Oceanian cuisine. It can be prepared in many ways, including barbecuing, roasting, frying, and grilling, and is often served with palm oil or various sauces.

Are Yams and Sweet Potatoes The Same? No, they are two very different vegetables.

Learn about the differences between sweet potatoes and yams, two vegetables that are often mistaken for each other. Despite being referred to as yams in America, they are not related and have distinct characteristics. Experience the unique taste and appearance of a true yam.

Learn more about the difference between sweet potatoes and yams with African Yam from CARIBBEAN FRESH produce. Keep reading for expert insight.

Yams

True yams are edible tubers found in Africa and Asia from the dioscorea genus of flowering plants. They are commonly used in African, Latin American and Caribbean dishes. In West Africa they are a food staple like cassava/yuca and plantain. You may see them at the market labeled the African word Nyami or Namé.

Yams have thick rough bark-like brown skin and white or yellow-ish flesh. They are starchy when cooked, and have a mild flavor. Yams grow much larger than sweet potatoes. In African and Caribbean cooking yams are used in savory dishes like yam pepper soup and pounded yam.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are root vegetables, not tubers. A tuber is a thick stem of a plant, not the root. Sweet potatoes are the actual root of the plant, thick and delicious as they may be. Sweet potatoes are native to central or South America, and belong to the morning glory family.

Unlike yams, sweet potatoes have smooth skin, which depending on the variety can be orange, grey, or even purple. Sweet potatoes have flesh that tastes sweeter than yams. Depending on the variety sweet potato flesh can be white, orange, or even bright purple. There are so many different varieties of sweet potatoes: some are starchier and sweeter than others. More on the different varieties below. Sweet potatoes are used in both savory dishes and desserts.

Which is more nutritious?

Sweet potatoes and yams are both great sources of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and complex carbohydrates. Sweet potatoes have more vitamin C, and more beta-carotene than true yams. Yams boast higher levels of copper.