What Is Yam?
Yam Is the common name for some plant species in the genus Dioscorea (family Dioscoreaceae) that form edible tubers. The tubers of some other species in the genus, such as D. communis, are toxic. Yams are perennialherbaceousvines cultivated for the consumption of their starchy tubers in many temperate and tropical regions, especially in West Africa, South America and the Caribbean, Asia, and Oceania. The tubers themselves, also called “yams”, come in a variety of forms owing to numerous cultivars and related species.
What Are Yams Used For?
True yams are traditionally sliced into smaller pieces, peeled, and then boiled in salted water. Once cooked, the flesh can be served with eggs, mixed vegetables, and meats. In West Africa, yams are popularly boiled and mashed into a dough-like paste known as fufu or swallow.
What Are The Types Of Yam?
Yam is the name given to several plant species in the genus Dioscorea including Dioscorea alata (white yam), Dioscorea bulbifera (potato yam), Dioscorea cayenensis (yellow yam), Dioscorea esculenta (Asiatic yam) and Dioscorea batatas (Chinese yam) that are grown for their edible tubers.
What Does Yam Taste Like?
Ghana yams, also known as true yams, are not even close to sweet potatoes. Also, they are starchier with a mild earthy flavor profile similar to cassava and potatoes.
How Do You Choose Yams?
To select healthy yams, pick yams that are firm to touch all the way around and have very small to no cracks. While yam skin is highly textured, it shouldn’t be wrinkled like an old cucumber. These tips are generally helpful but note that at different stages of life, the taste of the yam changes.
Is Yam good For Health?
They’re a great source of fiber, potassium, manganese, copper, and antioxidants. Yams are linked to various health benefits and may boost brain health, reduce inflammation, and improve blood sugar control. They’re versatile, easy to prepare, and a great vegetable to include in your diet in both sweet and savory dishes.
Who Should Not Take Yam?
Children, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and people with protein S deficiency a genetic disorder that increases your risk of blood clots are also encouraged to steer clear of wild yam root because of insufficient safety information.
What Are Importance Yams?
Yams are primary agricultural commodities and major staple crops in Africa, where yam cultivation began 11,000 years ago. In West Africa they are major sources of income and have high cultural value. They are used in fertility and marriage ceremonies, and a festival is held annually to celebrate its harvest.
Yam Prices In Ghana:
The average prices of yams in Ghana is sold between GHS 15.00 – GHS 16.00 for a tuber or more & you can also get a Bag of yam for an amount of GHS 724.60..!!!