Yam Selection and Storage
If you find them, true yams will most likely be sold in chunks sealed in plastic wrap, since they grow up to 7 feet in length and weigh up to 150 pounds.As with sweet potatoes, choose yams with unblemished, tight, unwrinkled skins and firm flesh. Store in a cool, dark, dry area for up to two weeks, and do not refrigerate.
Although you may find canned vegetables labeled as yams, they are most likely not true yams. However, true yams can generally be used in any sweet potato recipe. Yams, unlike sweet potatoes, are toxic if eaten raw, yet perfectly safe when cooked.
Cooked yams may be kept refrigerated for 2 to 3 days. Cooked yams may be frozen using the same method as sweet potatoes.
More About Sweet Potatoes and Yams
• The Difference Between Sweet Potatoes and Yams• Sweet Potato Selection and Storage
• Sweet Potato Fact Sheet
• Yam Selection and Storage
• Yam Fact Sheet
• Sweet Potato and Yam Health Benefits
• Sweet Potato History
• Sweet Potato / Yam Recipes
Sweet Potatoes and Yams Photo © 2006 Peggy Trowbridge, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Cookbooks
| • | The Sweet Potato Cookbook |
| • | 150 Ways to Enjoy Potatoes |
| • | The Ultimate Potato Book |
| • | One Potato, Two Potato |
| • | More Cookbooks |
