Yam

+Description

The yam is a large root vegetable which looks like a tube. Although many people think it is, the yam is not related to the sweet potato. However, the yam is closely related to lilies and grasses and are native to Africa and Asia. There are about 150 yam varieties, varying from off-white to dark brown. The flesh is sweet and compared to sweet potatoes starchier and drier. The colour of the flesh varies from white, purplish to brownish.

+Availability

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Yams are available from Ghana & Brazil.

+Main nutrients

Fiber and vitamin C.

Main varieties

Yam

The yam is a large root vegetable which looks like a tube.
View Yam

Preparation

Clean or peel the skin. Then the yam can be fried, boiled, baked, mashed or roasted. Yams can be used in the same way as sweet potatoes.

Consumption

Baking yams is the most straightforward way to prepare them. Wash the yams thoroughly. Prick them with a fork. Preheat your oven to 200˚C and bake for approximately 40 minutes. When done, slice them open and add a bit of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

When to eat

The yam should be firm and without any wrinkles. Keep yams at a cool and dry place.

Did you know..?

"Yam" comes from the West African word, nYami, meaning "to eat".
The Yam Festival is usually held in the beginning of August at the end of the rainy season and is very popular in Ghana and Nigeria. The Yam Festival is named after the most common food in many African countries, which is the yam.