Identity Crisis: Yam or Sweet Potato?

by Jay Sjostrom, Co-op Produce Clerk

This week in the Concord Food Co-op’s produce department we are highlighting the Japanese yam/sweet potato. Before I go into the detail of that particular variety I’d like to address a question we’re often asked in produce: Is there a difference between Yams and Sweet Potatoes?

            There are two separate answers to this question, one in regards to culture, and one to botanical truth. Starting with the latter, most of the “yams” we sell in the USA are botanically sweet potatoes. This goes for all varieties available at the Co-op. In fact yams and sweet potatoes are from two different plant families. True yams are largely unavailable; most people have probably never seen or eaten them. While sweet potatoes have a generally smooth looking and attractive appearance, the yam has a much wilder looking, tree bark exterior. It is also much drier than a sweet potato. So with this knowledge in mind: why do we call sweet potatoes yams in the USA?

            For one, it’s a cultural thing, but it’s also marketing too. There are two are varieties of sweet potatoes: a firm, light tan variety, and a soft copper colored variety (Garnets and Jewels). The light tan variety was the first to be introduced in this country.  This variety was first called and still is labeled a sweet potato. The copper color variety came after and was called a yam in order to better tell the difference between the two. This difference of look, feel, and labeling has estranged so-called “yams” from the sweet potato family and thus left customers with the question we started with.

            Japanese yams are also in the sweet potato family. In fact, they are the sweetest variety we offer at the Co-op and if not over-cooked retains a unique flavor, setting them apart from the garnet and jewel. Its purple skin makes it easily identifiable amongst the earthier hues of its neighbors. So if you’re looking for the sweetest variety of yams this holiday season, look no further. We have yams at a great reduced price of $2.29/lb starting Friday November 7^th, 2014.

Looking for recipes?
Try these links:
Maple-Cranberry Sweet Potatoes
Quinoa Salad with Sweet Potatoes and Peppers
Black Bean- Smothered Sweet Potatoes
Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges with Jalapeno Sour Cream

Maple-Cranberry Sweet Potatoes

Maple-Cranberry Sweet Potatoes