Families of tuber raw food. Source of Carbohydrates. Enjoyable with African Soup.

Yams are members of the genus Dioscorea and are in their own special family, Dioscoreaceae. They are tubers, like potatoes, and are mostly cultivated in tropical parts of the world. A number of different yam species are grown for food, and the large tubers range in color from white to yellow, pink, or purple!

A yam is a starchy, underground-growing root vegetable that's related to lilies. Yams are native to Africa and Asia, and are a staple food in tropical climates. 

Characteristics

1. Yams are similar to potatoes, but are usually larger and have rougher skin. 
2. Yams can be baked, boiled, mashed, grated, or cut into chunks. 
3. Yams have a cylindrical shape with blackish or brown, bark-like skin. 
4. Yams have white, purple, or reddish flesh. 

 • Yams are starchier and drier than sweet potatoes.