The main reason you can't substitute sweet potatoes for yams, or vice versa, is because the two root vegetables taste entirely differently and have very different nutritional compositions. A yam is starchy and dry, but a sweet potato is, as the name suggests, sweet and moister.
Which is better a sweet potato or a yam?
Nutritional Comparison It seems essential to emphasize that sweet potatoes and yams are also different in terms of nutrition. Yam is higher in fiber and lower in sugars, sodium, and glycemic index, while sweet potato is lower in saturated fat. Thus, in macronutrients content, yam is the winner.
Are sweet potatoes and yams interchangeable in recipes?
Though you're not likely to find true yams at your grocery store, yams and sweet potatoes are interchangeable in most recipes.
Are sweet yams and sweet potatoes the same?
Are Yams and Sweet Potatoes the Same? No, yams and sweet potatoes are not the same. Yams have rough, dark brown skin that is often compared to tree bark, and their flesh is dry and starchy like a regular potato. Sweet potatoes have smooth reddish skin, softer flesh (when cooked), and a sweet flavor.
What is the difference between yams and sweet potatoes in cooking?
It's not sweet and has a dry, crumbly texture similar to a white baking potato. The darker-skinned variety (which is most often and incorrectly called a yam) has a thicker, dark orange to reddish skin with a sweet, vivid orange flesh and a moist texture.
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