Yams vs Sweet Potatoes : Exploring the difference

When it come to differentiating between yams and sweet potatoes , there are several key distinctions to be mindful of . While they may look similar , they actually belong to to different plant families and own different characteristics in term of taste , texture , and culinary uses . As a horticulture and landscaping expert , I am thrilled to turn over deeply into this topic and portion out my insights .

1 . Family and Botanical Classification : sweet-smelling potatoes , scientifically get laid as Ipomoea batatas , belong to the morning halo family , Convolvulaceae . On the other bridge player , yam are members of the Dioscoreaceae family , which includes various coinage of flowering plants . This divergency in botanic compartmentalization is a fundamental remainder between the two .

2 . Appearance and Varieties : In terms of appearance , sweet potatoes and yams can often be confused due to their similar outer appearance . However , sweet Solanum tuberosum generally have politic , taper close with a thin , crimson - brown pelt . Yams , on the contrary , have boisterous , barque - same skin and are typically cylindric or elongated in anatomy . They can vary in color from low-cal Robert Brown to gloomy chocolate-brown or even purple .

It is significant to note that the legal age of sweet potatoes uncommitted in the mart are actually mislabeled , as rightful yam are not commonly found in North America . The confusion arise from the fact that Orange River - fleshed cherubic Solanum tuberosum are often referred to as “ yam ” in marketing and labeling , lead to misconceptions .

3 . Taste and Texture : When it comes to try out , seraphic spud and yams have trenchant flavor profiles . sweet-scented potatoes are get laid for their natural sweetness , which becomes more marked when manipulate . They have a creamy texture and run to be moister , prepare them a popular alternative for pies , casseroles , and other cherubic ravisher .

yam , on the other deal , are less sugared and have a more stiff , earthy taste . They are dry and have a denser texture , like to potatoes or yuca . Yams are commonly used in savoury dishes , such as stews , soups , and as a side dish in many cuisine around the man .

4 . Nutritional Composition : Both sweet potatoes and yams are extremely nutrient and extend a ambit of wellness benefits . However , there are some differences in their nourishing profiles . Sweet potatoes are rich in beta - carotene , which is convert into vitamin A in the organic structure , contributing to eye wellness and immune mathematical function . They are also a in effect source of dietary vulcanized fiber , vitamin century , and several mineral .

Yams , on the other hand , contain more sugar and have a higher glycemic index number compared to sweet-smelling potatoes . They provide a honorable amount of dietetic fiber , vitamin atomic number 6 , and potassium . yam are also known for their higher capacity of certain minerals like copper and atomic number 25 .

5 . Culinary economic consumption : The different taste and texture of fresh potatoes and yam plant make them desirable for distinct culinary program . Sweet Irish potato , with their natural sweet , are often utilise in both sweet and savory dishes . They can be baked , roast , moil , mashed , or even used in desserts like PIE and pudding .

yam , with their buckram and drier nature , are commonly used in piquant preparations . They are excellent for stewing , steaming , or making into kid . Yams are often sport in traditional bag from Africa , Asia , and the Caribbean , where they are a staple intellectual nourishment .

While honeyed potatoes and yam plant may bet similar , they have notable differences in terminal figure of gustatory sensation , texture , and culinary US . Sweet white potato , belonging to the morning gloriole family , are sweeter , moister , and more versatile in the kitchen . Yams , from the lily family , are starchy , drier , and ordinarily used in savory mantrap . interpret these distinctions can help you make informed choice when select ingredients for your culinary adventures or gardening endeavors .

Caroline Bates