by Patricia Graves

Created on: January 19, 2012

Yams are a vegetable that can grow up to eight feet in length. Yams and Sweet Potatoes are not the same thing. Sweet Potatoes are a tuber and grow beneath the ground while Yams which are also a tuber grow on a vine above the dirt.The two vegetables are totally unrelated to each other. Yams contain more sugar and water than Sweet Potatoes. Yams are very popular to eat in Africa and Asia but can be more difficult to find in markets in the Western countries. While finding yams may take some extra effort the rewards are a new healthy and fun vegetable to try in various recipes.

Types of Yams:

Chinese, Korean or Japanese Yam – can be grated and served raw after soaking it in a vinegar and water solution.

Purple Yam, Water Yam, Winged Yam – the flesh of this yam is bright purple. It is highly nutritious and contains powerful antioxidants.

White Yam, African Yam, Yellow Yam – easily peeled and boiled. Can then be mashed and oiled added. Can also be dried and ground into powder.

Yams can be easily baked in a traditional oven for about one hour.  Wash them and wrap them in aluminum foil first.  They can also be baked in a microwave oven.  First poke them with a sharp knife to release the air pockets.  Place the yams on a plate or wrap them in microwave safe paper towels.  Bake for about 15 minutes.  They can be topped with oil, margarine, butter, sour cream and various seasonings such as those used for the more traditional russet potatoes.

For an interesting recipe peel yams and chop them into small chunks. Put the chunks into a baking dish. Pour in a small amount of olive oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and cumin over the yams. Next add a small amount of maple syrup. Toss this mixture gently in the baking dish. Put the baking dish into a traditional gas or electric oven for approximately 45 minutes.

Everyone loves French fries! Yams can be used to make baked Frech fries that are lower in fat. Buy a few yams and wash them then pat them dry with paper towels. Peel the skin from the yams.  Carefully slice the yams into thin strips just as traditional French fries are sliced. Dip the yam strips into oil such as olive or vegetable oil. Place the yam fries on a baking or cookie sheet. Put the baking sheet into a preheated 350 degree Fahrenheit traditional oven for 15 to 20 minutes. The yam fries can be sprinkled with salt or other seasonings and dipped into ketchup just as russet potato fries are served.

Try using Yams in other recipes that suggest sweet potatoes or russet potatoes. Experiment with various ingredients from you own kitchen and pantry to find new ways to enjoy this less traditional vegetable.

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