Three Easy Ways to Cook and Serve Yams -- Harvest to Table

A yam and a sweet potato are not the same vegetables, but they can be substituted for one another in most recipes.

The yam has more natural sugar and is, therefore, sweeter than the sweet potato and its flesh is moister than the sweet potato.

Yams–depending upon variety—can have a flesh that is white, yellow, purple, or pink and a skin that is off-white to dark brown. The sweet potato usually has bright orange flesh and thick, dark orange skin.

Yams and sweet potatoes are most often confused simply because canned sweet potatoes—especially in the United States–are often labeled yams.

Table of Contents

Yams and sweet potatoes

The yam is an African native of the Dioscorea family.
The sweet potato is a native of the Americas and comes from the Convolvulaceae family.

How to choose yams

Select yams that are unblemished with tight skins.

Yams serving suggestions

Cook small yams in their skins. Large yams can be washed, peeled, and blanched for 10-20 minutes in boiling salted water. Then use them just as you would a potato or sweet potato.

Colocasia--yam plant — Colocasia–yam plant

How to bake yams

Wash and trim the yams. Dry well.
Arrange the yams on a baking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes at 400°F.
Reduce the temperature to 375°F and bake an additional 45 minutes for medium-sized yams, and 60 minutes more for large ones.

How to roast yams

Cut yams into crosswise slices 1/2-inch thick and place them in a 1-quart casserole dish coated with a thin layer of olive oil or butter.
Combine 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind, and a pinch of salt and mix well, then pour over the yams.
Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Salt and pepper to taste.
4 medium-sized yams will serve 4 people.

How to make candied yams

Gather ingredients: 4 medium yams, cooked and peeled; 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind; 1/2 cup light corn syrup; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 3 tablespoons melted butter.
Cut yams into crosswise slices 1/2 inch thick; place in greased a 1-quart casserole dish.
Combine remaining ingredients; mix well and pour over yams.
Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Serves four.

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How to Grow Sweet Potatoes

Seven Ways to Cook and Serve Sweet Potatoes

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