Category: Tuber vegetables

Over 600 species of yams exist, but most Americans have never eaten a true yam. A yam is fundamentally a starchy tuber vegetable, often confused with the sweet potato, which belongs to a different botanical family. This article clarifies which class of food does yam fall under, explaining its characteristics and debunking common misidentifications.

According to nutritional data, a 100-gram serving of elephant foot yam contains a relatively modest amount of protein, typically around 1.5 to 2 grams. This makes it a nutritional vegetable, but not a primary source of protein for a balanced diet.

Raw yucca root, also known as cassava or manioc, is dangerously toxic and must be cooked before consumption due to naturally occurring cyanogenic compounds. These compounds can release hydrogen cyanide into the body, which is a potent poison.