Yam vs Sweet Potato - Are They The Same?

What Is A Yam?

Yams, originating in tropical Africa and Asia, are edible stem tubers distinguished by their dry, starchy flesh. Their resilience to humidity makes them an ideal staple in tropical climates, ensuring extended storage without the threat of decay.

Various yam cultivars exist, including Chinese yams, yellow yams, and ube, but the predominantly cultivated type features pale white flesh. Yams exhibit remarkable size variations, ranging from several pounds and multiple feet to the modest dimensions of a standard potato.

What Is A Sweet Potato?

Originating in South and Central America, sweet potatoes are delectable root tubers easily found in North American grocery stores year-round, with their prime season spanning from late October to December. Closer kin to the carrot than the potato, sweet potatoes boast thin skin and elongated tapered ends.

The prevalent variety features orange flesh encased in smooth reddish-brown skin. Diverging from yams, sweet potatoes are palatable when raw, and their leaves offer a culinary experience akin to cooking carrots or beet greens.

Nutritional Value

Yams and sweet potatoes are often confused, but they are distinct vegetables with some differences in nutritional content. Here is a general comparison of the nutritional values for 100 grams of each:

Yams (Cooked, Boiled, Without Skin):

• Calories: 114
• Water: 70%
• Protein: 1.5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 27 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 3.9 grams
  • Sugars: 0.5 grams
• Fat: 0.2 grams
• Vitamins and Minerals:
  • Vitamin C: 12.1 mg
  • Vitamin B6: 0.2 mg
  • Potassium: 670 mg

Sweet Potatoes (Cooked, Baked in Skin):

• Calories: 90
• Water: 77%
• Protein: 2 grams
• Carbohydrates: 21 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 3 grams
  • Sugars: 6 grams
• Fat: 0.2 grams
• Vitamins and Minerals:
  • Vitamin A: 19200 IU
  • Vitamin C: 19.6 mg
  • Vitamin B6: 0.29 mg (10% of the Daily Value)
  • Potassium: 475 mg (14% of the Daily Value)

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as cooking methods and specific varieties of yams or sweet potatoes. It's essential to check specific nutritional information for the exact type and preparation method you are using.

Are Yams and Sweet Potatoes the Same?

No, yams and sweet potatoes are distinct varieties. Yams are characterized by their rough, dark brown skin, often likened to tree bark, with dry and starchy flesh similar to a regular potato. On the other hand, sweet potatoes exhibit smooth reddish skin, softer cooked flesh, and a sweet taste.

Confusion between the two is unlikely during shopping since true yams are rarely found in American grocery stores. Interestingly, the popular canned "yams" during holidays are technically sweet potatoes.

To differentiate between yams and sweet potatoes, consider the following:

• Sweet Potatoes - Common varieties in the US feature smooth orange or reddish skin, orange flesh, and a sweet flavor.
• Yams - Distinguished by rough brown skin resembling tree bark, white flesh, and a neutral flavor.

If uncertainty persists, a simple trick is to inspect the skin for eyes. Yams develop eyes or buds, akin to regular potatoes, while sweet potatoes may display fine roots on their skin, similar to beets or carrots.

Yams and Sweet Potatoes: Differences

Despite often being used interchangeably, yams and sweet potatoes are different vegetables. Here are some key differences between yams and sweet potatoes:

Botanical Classification

• Yams: They belong to the Dioscoreaceae family and are botanically classified as various species under the Dioscorea genus.
• Sweet Potatoes: They belong to the Convolvulaceae family and are botanically classified as Ipomoea batatas.

Appearance

• Yams: They typically have rough, scaly, and dark brown to light pink skin. The flesh is usually white, purple, or reddish.
• Sweet Potatoes: The skin can vary in color, including orange, purple, brown, or beige. The flesh can also vary in color, including orange, purple, or white.

Flavor and Texture

• Yams: They are starchy and can have a dry, starchy texture. The taste is less sweet compared to sweet potatoes.
• Sweet Potatoes: Depending on the variety, they can be sweet, moist, and have a smooth texture.

Nutritional Content

As mentioned earlier, the nutritional content of yams and sweet potatoes can differ. Sweet potatoes are generally richer in vitamins A and C, while yams tend to have more potassium.

Geographical Distribution

• Yams: They are often found in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. In some places, especially in the United States, what is labeled as "yams" in grocery stores is often a type of sweet potato.
• Sweet Potatoes: They are more common in the United States and other Western countries.

Availability

• Yams: More common in ethnic or specialty markets, and availability may vary depending on the region.
• Sweet Potatoes: More widely available in supermarkets and grocery stores, especially in Western countries.

It's important to note that in some regions, the term "yam" is used colloquially to refer to certain types of sweet potatoes, leading to confusion. When in doubt, it's best to check the labels or inquire about the specific variety being sold.

Yams and Sweet Potatoes: Similarities

Despite their differences, yams and sweet potatoes share some similarities, which contribute to the confusion between the two:

• Common Use of Terminology: In some regions, the terms "yam" and "sweet potato" are used interchangeably, leading to confusion. In the United States, for example, what is often labeled as "yams" in grocery stores is actually a type of sweet potato.
• Starchy Root Vegetables: Both yams and sweet potatoes are starchy root vegetables that grow underground.
• Versatility in Cooking: Both yams and sweet potatoes are versatile in the kitchen and can be prepared in various ways, including boiling, baking, roasting, mashing, or frying.
• Nutrient-Rich: Both are nutrient-dense foods, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
• Rich in Carbohydrates: Both yams and sweet potatoes are good sources of complex carbohydrates, providing energy to the body.
• Cultural and Culinary Significance: Both yams and sweet potatoes hold cultural and culinary significance in different parts of the world. They are commonly used in traditional dishes and celebrations.
• Variety of Colors and Flavors: Both vegetables come in various colors, including orange, purple, and white. The flavor and texture can also vary depending on the specific variety.

It's important to recognize that while they share similarities, yams and sweet potatoes are distinct botanical species with differences in appearance, taste, and nutritional content.

Why Do Yams and Sweet Potatoes Get Mixed Up?

It's a common occurrence to see sweet potatoes labeled as yams. Some individuals adamantly claim to indulge in yams every Thanksgiving, despite never encountering a true yam. The question arises: why the mix-up between these seemingly distinct entities?

The widespread use of the term "yam" as a moniker for sweet potatoes has a couple of intriguing reasons.

In the early 20th century, Southern sweet potato growers opted for the African term "yam" to promote their vibrant orange potatoes, setting them apart from ordinary spuds. The colloquial tag "yam" gained popularity and continues to be embraced by many producers today.

Since these yams are technically sweet potatoes, the US Department of Agriculture mandates that the label "yam" must be accompanied by an additional label specifying "sweet potato."

Culinary Uses of Yams

Yams are starchy root vegetables with a dry and firm texture, making them suitable for a variety of culinary applications. In many African, Asian, and Caribbean cuisines, yams are often used in savory dishes. They can be boiled, roasted, or fried and incorporated into stews, curries, and soups.

Mashed yams are a popular side dish, and yam fries are a delicious alternative to traditional potato fries. In some cultures, yams are also used in sweet preparations, such as yam puddings or desserts, showcasing their versatility in both savory and sweet dishes.

Culinary Uses of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes, known for their naturally sweet flavor and moist texture, are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. There are many sweet potato recipes that fall under both sweet and savory categories. Baked sweet potatoes are a classic option, often served with toppings like butter, cinnamon, or marshmallows.

Mashed sweet potatoes make a delicious side dish, and sweet potato fries are a popular and healthier alternative to regular fries. In addition to being used in pies and casseroles during holiday seasons, sweet potatoes can be incorporated into salads and soups, and even used in smoothies for added nutrition.

The diverse range of sweet potato varieties allows for creativity in the kitchen, accommodating various flavor profiles and culinary preferences.

Substituting In Recipes

Both yams and sweet potatoes offer versatility in preparation, whether through roasting, steaming, boiling, or frying. Swapping genuine yams into a sweet potato dish is akin to using regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes—a feasible choice, but one that significantly alters the final flavor.

For classic Thanksgiving recipes like Candied Sweet Potatoes and Smashed Spiced Sweet Potatoes, as well as in dishes where the inherent sweetness is crucial, we recommend sticking to the soft varieties of sweet potatoes. These include those used in delectable treats like Sweet Potato Waffles.

However, if you happen upon authentic, fresh yams, seize the opportunity to explore different cooking methods such as boiling, roasting, or frying to savor their unique qualities.

Bottom Line

Distinguishing between a yam and a sweet potato lies in their botanical nature: a yam is a tuber, while a sweet potato is a root. Yams typically sport a cylindrical form with scaly, bark-like skin, while sweet potatoes lean towards a tapered shape, featuring either firm or soft textures and thinner skin.

In terms of flavor, sweet potatoes generally boast a sweeter taste than yams. During your routine grocery shopping, sweet potatoes are more commonly found, but if you chance upon a yam, possibly mislabeled as a "sweet potato," you'll be equipped with the knowledge to discern the truth.