In America, yams are actually a type of sweet potato. Gingersnap cookies and marshmallows make this dish a real treat.
What is the American equivalent of yam?
YAMS VS. SWEET POTATOES Often North Americans use the words “yam” & “sweet potato” interchangeably.
Does America have yams?
In the U.S., over 50% of the country's sweetpotatoes are grown in North Carolina. Today, yams are grown around the world, but West Africa is still where most yam crops — nearly 95% — are grown.
Are sweet potatoes and yams the same thing?
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.
Why do Americans call them yams?
Americans have been calling the orange-fleshed variety of sweet potatoes "yams" since colonial times when Africans saw familiarities in them to the tuberous variety. The USDA decided to label them as "yams" to differentiate the two varieties.
