What is the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?

Yams and sweet potatoes are two different vegetables that are often used interchangeably. However, they belong to different plant families and have distinct characteristics.

Sweet potatoes are starchy root vegetables that are thought to originate in Central or South America. They have a long shelf life and are usually sweeter and moister than regular potatoes. Sweet potatoes are available in two main varieties: dark-skinned, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes and golden-skinned, pale-fleshed sweet potatoes. They are commonly used in both savoury and sweet dishes, most often baked, mashed, or fried. When pureed, they can be used in soups as well as baked foods and desserts.

Yams, on the other hand, are tuber vegetables that originate in Africa and Asia. They have rough, bark-like skin that is difficult to peel, but it softens after heating. Yams are cylindrical in shape and can grow very large, up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) in size and weigh up to 132 pounds (60 kgs). Yams are most often boiled, roasted, or fried.

In terms of nutritional value, yams are nutritionally inferior to sweet potatoes. Yams are starchier than sweet potatoes, and sweet potatoes are high in fibre and sweet in flavour.