What Does A Yam Taste Like?

What’s the difference between a yam and a sweet potato?We’re going to answer this question as we cover all the essential information about yams. You’ll learn about taste, texture, cooking options and recipes to try out any time of year.

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What Does a Yam Taste Like? 

Cooked yams are tubers that come in an extensive variety.They tend to be fairly sweet, but they’re not particularly sugary.

The purple-skinned Japanese yams with yellowish flesh, for example, are on the sweeter side while purple yams are only vaguely sweet with a crispy nutty taste. 

Yams do share that unmistakable earthiness that will remind you of orange sweet potatoes, but you’ll notice how distinctive each type is when you try them. 

Related Article: What Does a Veggie Burger Taste Like?

Yam Texture 

All cooked yams are soft and starchy, but there are slight differences between the varieties.Purple yams are often particularly dry and starchy, though not unpleasantly so.

Yams tend to be closer to potato than sweet potato texture, as in drier and grainier.They’re good ingredients for a recipe that needs all the veggies to hold their shape and not get mashed and mushy.

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Is There a Difference Between a Yam and Sweet Potato? 

Who knew that garnet yams are actually sweet potatoes?These deep orange to reddish yams, which many of us are familiar with, are only “yams” in a nominal sense.

Yams and sweet potatoes come from different parts of the world and have their own unique flavors.The main thing is that sweet potatoes are sweeter, often having a caramelized brown sugar taste.

Some people also eat raw sweet potatoes, but you should generally cook yams. There may betoxins in their raw statethat are only removed through the proper cooking process.

Read Also: What Does Acai Berry Taste Like?

Can You Eat Yam Skin? 

You can eat the skins of some yams, but others are avoided.This has to do with the potential toxins occurring in some kinds of yams (as previously discussed).

Do some research on the specific type of yam that you’ve purchased to find the right way to eat it.Yams are delicious and nutritious, so it’s well worth it.

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How Do You Eat Yams? 

Whereas sweet potatoes make good pies, yams make good fries, roasting vegetables and stews. Boiling and sauteing are good options as well as baking them right in their skins.

Yams can be braised in vegetable stock, prepared like vegan twice-baked potatoes or candied. You can mash them, but you may need a little extra liquid to make them super creamy.

Yam Serving Tips 

To make things easier, we’ll show you exactly what kinds of vegan foods you can start making with yams. Or sweet potatoes if you can’t find yams.

If you’re in a veggie burger rut, try these yam cutlets instead. 

Here are the ingredients:

• Rice flour
• Cooking oil
• Turmeric
• Salt
• Chili powder
• Yams
• Tamarind sauce

Further Reading: What Does Allspice Taste Like?

Vegan candied yams are a fantastic addition to a holiday spread.

Here’s what you need:

• Any yams you prefer
• Vegan butter
• Sugar
• Orange juice
• Maple syrup
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger

Wrap Up

Some sweet potatoes are called yams, but these root vegetables are not the same.Yams are less sweet and come in many different sizes, shapes, colors and flavors.Try adding them to soups, roasting them or smashing them with potatoes.You can even make desserts with them. Here’s a tip:purple yams make gorgeous vegan sweets.

Related Article: What Does Almond Milk Taste Like?

Joey Bruno

Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!