Yams All Around: The Root Veg of Thanksgiving

Are candied yams a classic on your Thanksgiving menu? Or maybe they are sweet potatoes?

There is a huge confusion about yams and sweet potatoes because most grocery stores label orange colored sweet potatoes as yams. But yams and sweet potatoes aren’t even from the same family. In fact, they come from different parts of the world. Sweet potatoes are from the morning glory family in South Africa while Yams are a member of the lily family originating in Africa.

The mix-up about the tubers is that the orange fleshed variety of sweet potatoes can have a similar shape to yams making the two interchangeable to an un-seasoned yam eater. They are both long with pointy ends, however, the skin of a yam is usually dark brown (almost black) and they have a very rough texture. Compared to sweet potatoes, they are starchier and drier but also naturally sweeter and creamier. Very yammy…I mean yummy.

While both root vegetables are known to be a top-notch health food, they both offer a different nutritional profile. Considered a super food because of their dense nutrients, yams have a vast amount of vitamin C and B. They are considered a healthy carb that will provide you with long-lasting energy as well as being full of fiber to fuel you and keep you full. Yams outdo sweet potatoes in the omega department. They contain twice as many omega-6 fatty acids. An 8-ounce serving of yams is about 150 calories compared to around 200 calories for sweet potatoes.

Yams are a versatile and easy to work with vegetable. They can be roasted, fried, grilled, baked and more. You can even microwave them for a super simple meal in minutes. Feel like unveiling an actual sweet skinned yam in your kitchen? Try these:

• Potato texture in a burrito is an amazing combination. Try this yam and black bean burrito.
• Sounds unappetizing, but yam cookies are an excellent after dinner treat. Tip: add a bit of apricot jam on them!
• Playing with your food is encouraged in this twice-baked yam recipe.
• If your patio isn’t covered in snow grilled coconut yams will be your new favorite snack. If not, use the Forman!
• This may surpass any candied yam side dish you have had: yam casserole with pecan streusel topping.

Do you know the difference between a yam and a sweet potato? What is your favorite way to eat yams?

photo credit: _e.t via photopin cc