This article provides an overview of the yam, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make yam substitutes.
What are Yams?
Yam is the common name for edible tuber vegetables, that belong to the genus Dioscorea. Yams are indigenous and grown in many temperate and tropical regions, including South America, Asia, the Caribbean, and West Africa.
Some yams are considered toxic and are referred to as bitter yams, in places like Africa, yams must be cooked to be considered safe to eat.
What does Yam taste like?
Yams have an earthy, dry, and rather neutral taste, with sweet and starchy undertones. They have a rather versatile flavor that can be altered by the cooking method.
Is Yam readily available in Supermarkets?
True yams will be hard to find in a typical western grocery store, as they are grown out of the region and usually imported. You may find it in some specialty shops, such as African grocery stores.
What are some alternative names for Yam?
There are no common alternative names in the English language, however, they are often mistaken for sweet potatoes.
What is a good substitute for Yam in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for yam. These include:
- A yam is best substituted for another starchy potato, such as russet or even green plantains.
- You can substitute for Sweet Potato