Yam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yam |
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| Yams at Brixton market | |
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Dioscoreaceae
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Dioscorea
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A yam is a type of root vegetable. It grows underground, much like a potato. Yams are often confused with sweet potatoes, but they are actually different plants. The inside of a yam can be white, yellow, or even purple. Interestingly, yams are related to plants like lilies and grasses!
The word "yam" is the common name for several kinds of plants in the scientific group called Dioscorea. These plants are perennial vines. This means they are climbing plants that live for more than two years. People grow yams mainly for their edible roots.
Yams are a very important food source around the world. They are grown in many warm places, including Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Oceania. A huge amount of the world's yam crop, about 95 percent, comes from West Africa.
What Do Yams Look Like?
Yam tubers are the parts we eat. They can grow to be quite large! Some yams can be as long as 1.5 meters (about 5 feet). They can also weigh a lot, sometimes up to 70 kilograms (about 154 pounds). The skin of a yam is usually rough and hard to peel when it's raw. However, it gets softer once it's cooked.
The color of the yam's inside can change as it grows. Young yams might be white or yellow. As they get older, some yams can turn purple or pink.
How Are Yams Used?
Yams are a very versatile vegetable, meaning they can be cooked in many different ways. You can barbecue them, roast them in an oven, or fry them. They can also be grilled, boiled, or baked. Some people even smoke yams for a unique flavor.
When yams are grated, they can be used to make delicious desserts. In many cultures, yams are a main part of meals and celebrations.
Yam vs. Sweet Potato
It's easy to get yams and sweet potatoes mixed up. In some parts of the United States and Canada, people sometimes call sweet potatoes "yams." But it's important to remember that they are not the same plant. True yams are from the Dioscorea family, while sweet potatoes are from the Ipomoea family. They look and taste different, especially when you compare their textures and how they grow.
