Yams (Dioscorea batatas, and other species of Dioscorea) an edible tuberous roots is most commonly cultivated in Africa and is a staple food in many tropical countries, particularly the Caribbean. Yams have brown tough skins and the flesh can vary in colour - anything from white to yellow to purple.
There are several species of yam grown throughout the world. They can range in size from 1/2 to over 71⁄2 feet long and 100 pounds. Depending on the variety, a yam's flesh may be various shades of off-white, yellow, purple or pink, and the skin from off-white to dark brown. The texture of this vegetable can range from moist and tender to coarse, dry and mealy. Often boiled and they may also be fried, roasted, or baked.
