Difference Between Yams and Sweet Potatoes

The skin of a yam (left) looks kind of like tree bark, while a sweet potato (right) is more reddish-brown. Real yams are entirely different root vegetables that are more like yucca in texture and flavor. They have bumpy, tough brown skin (that looks almost tree trunk-like) with starchy, not sweet flesh.

1. Which is healthier sweet potato or yam?
2. Is it a yam or sweet potato?
3. Can you substitute yams for sweet potatoes?
4. Which sweet potato is healthiest?
5. When should you not eat sweet potatoes?
6. Can you eat sweet potatoes raw?
7. What are yams slang for?
8. Are yams good for you?
9. Is Yam a potato?
10. Why are sweet potatoes more expensive than yams?
11. Can diabetics eat yams?

Which is healthier sweet potato or yam?

Yams are native to Africa and Asia, and there are more than 600 varieties. ... Sweet potatoes are more nutritious than yams. Sweet potatoes and yams are both healthy foods, and they look similar. Sweet potatoes, however, have higher concentrations of most nutrients and more fiber.

Is it a yam or sweet potato?

Yams are a monocot (a plant having one embryonic seed leaf) and from the Dioscoreaceae or Yam family. Sweet Potatoes, often called 'yams', are a dicot (a plant having two embryonic seed leaves) and are from the Convolvulacea or morning glory family.

Can you substitute yams for sweet potatoes?

Though you're not likely to find true yams at your grocery store, yams and sweet potatoes are interchangeable in most recipes.

Which sweet potato is healthiest?

According to an article on Livestrong.com, "the purple varieties contain the most antioxidants, and the white-fleshed varieties contain the least of these beneficial nutrients." But since purple sweet potatoes are hard to track down in the States, between the white and orange sweet potatoes, the orange sweet potato ...

When should you not eat sweet potatoes?

As sweet potatoes begin to spoil, they will shrivel (like the one on the photo above) as they lose moisture. The veggie will then become mushy and turn brown or black. Do not eat sweet potatoes once they have begun to shrivel, and certainly not past this point.

Can you eat sweet potatoes raw?

While sweet potatoes can safely be eaten raw, certain types of yams are only safe to eat when cooked. Naturally occurring plant proteins found in yams can be toxic and cause illness if consumed raw.

What are yams slang for?

“Got Yams” is slang for a women's big round ass. Used in the African American community. It's a compliment that you share only with your male friends. You see a nice ass walking by and you say to your friend,”Damn, that girl Got the Yams!”

Are yams good for you?

Yams are nutrient-dense tuber vegetables that come in many colors. They're a great source of fiber, potassium, manganese, copper, and antioxidants. Yams are linked to various health benefits and may boost brain health, reduce inflammation, and improve blood sugar control.

Is Yam a potato?

Yams are members of the genus Dioscorea and are in their own special family, Dioscoreaceae. They are tubers, like potatoes, and are mostly cultivated in tropical parts of the world. A number of different yam species are grown for food, and the large tubers range in color from white to yellow, pink, or purple!

Why are sweet potatoes more expensive than yams?

Sweet potatoes or yams or boniatos are more expensive than potatoes in countries where white/gold/blue potatoes are grown in huge quantities. Demand for sweet potatoes is irregular and inconstant, higher in some holiday seasons. ... Demand for sweet potatoes is irregular and inconstant, higher in some holiday seasons.

Can diabetics eat yams?

Yams are diabetes-friendly as it aids to reduce the cells insulin resistance and thus, reduces the risk of contracting diabetes.