Are yams good to eat raw? A guide to safety and preparation
                                
                                
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                                    3 min read                                
                            
                                Over 90% of the world's yam production comes from West Africa, where these starchy tubers are a dietary staple. Despite their nutritional value when cooked, a common misconception exists: are yams good to eat raw? For most species, the answer is a definitive no, due to the presence of natural plant toxins that cooking neutralizes.