Yams are large starchy tubers, varying in size depending on variety to variety. Yams can be big oval shaped tubers to slender and cylindrical tubers.
Yams have brown, thick hairy skin. Yams have a neutral and earthy taste.
Generally, a yam weighs between 2.5 – 5 kg ( 5.5 – 11 pounds).
Scientific name of Yam
Dioscorea
Other names of Yam
- Yam Tuber
- Yam Root
- Colic root
- Devils bone
- Fourleaf yam
- Rheumatism root
- China root
Nutrition facts of Yam
*Serving size = 100 grams = 3.55 Ounces = 1/2 cup
*DV= % Daily Value (%DV indicates how much nutrients contribute to a person’s daily diet from a serving of a food. DV assists you in determining whether or not a serving of food is high or low in a particular nutrient.)
| Nutrient | Amount | Unit | DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 118 | KCAL | |
| Fat | 0.17 | GRAM | 0% |
| Protein | 1.53 | GRAM | 3% |
| Carbohydrate | 27.88 | GRAM | 10% |
Calories by source in Yam:
- Calories by carbohydrate in Yam = 95%
- Calories by fat in Yam = 1%
- Calories by protein in Yam = 4%
Fats and Fatty Acid profile of Yam:
- Polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) in Yam = 64%
- Saturated fat (SFA) in Yam = 31%
- Monounsaturated fat (MUFA) in Yam = 5%
Detailed vitamin profile of Yam, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, Folate, Niacin, Thiamin, and Riboflavin is shown in the chart at the end of the article.
Detailed mineral profile of Yam, Sodium(Na), Calcium(Ca), Copper(Cu), Iron(Fe), Magnesium(Mg), Selenium(Se), Phosphorus(P), Potassium(K) and Zinc(Zn) is shown the chart at the end of the article.
Check freshness in Yam
- Select yam roots which are firm
- Avoid yam with bruises and brown spots
Availability of Yam
- Generally yam root is available round the year
How to store Yam
- Avoid storing yam in a bag
- Avoid storing whole yam in refrigerator
- Yam can be stored in cool dark place and avoid direct heat and sunlight
- Cut pieces of yam can be stored in refrigerator for up-to 10 days
- Cut pieces of yam can also be stored by submerging them in water. this will avoid browning of the pieces.
Complete nutrition facts of Yam
Click on the link HERE to download high quality, high resolution and print ready PDF version of the Yam nutrition chart/infographic.
