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Yams originated in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Africans call yams “nyami,” which is where we get the word “yam.” They are cylindrical and vary in size. Some of the largest yams have weighed more than 100 pounds and have been several feet long.
When did yams originate?
Origin and Geographic Distribution Yams may have been present in Africa, Asia, South America, the Caribbean, as well as the South Pacific islands since a very long time, and reports suggest that Dioscorea rotundata was first domesticated in West Africa in about 5000 BC.
Where did white yams originate?
Many species of yam are grown in Africa, of which white Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir) is indigenous to West Africa. Despite its importance, relatively little is known about the white Guinea yam, especially at the genetic level, leading to its being branded as an “orphan crop.”Dec 18, 2020.
What is the original yam?
A true yam is a starchy edible root of the Dioscorea genus, and is generally imported to America from the Caribbean. It is rough and scaly and very low in beta carotene. Depending on the variety, sweetpotato flesh can vary from white to orange and even purple.
Where does the term yam come from?
Etymology. The name “yam” appears to derive from Portuguese inhame or Canarian (Spain) ñame, which derived from West African languages during trade. Although in both languages, this name is commonly referred to the plant taro (Colocasia esculenta) from the genus Colocasia, as opposed to Dioscorea.
Who brought yam to Nigeria?
Yam farming antedates the historic period on the West Coast of Africa with early Iberian explorer, Pacheco Pereira, who in 1505 mentioned the existence of established trade between Bonny in the east Niger delta and yam growing areas in the hinterland at the time of his visits to Nigeria [10].
Is Cassava the same as yam?
Yams, sweet potatoes, and cassava are classed as tuberous root vegetables that come from a flowering plant but are not related and do not have much in common. In the U.S., they are marketed as different vegetables. Yams are native to Africa and Asia and can be the size of a regular potato to five feet long!Oct 5, 2020.
Which species does yam belong to?
Yam, any of several plant species of the genus Dioscorea (family Dioscoreaceae) grown for their edible tubers. Yams are native to warmer regions of both hemispheres, and several species are cultivated as staple food crops in the tropics.
What are yams called in UK?
The American yam is not commonly found in the UK, yet the term is often used in the US to refer to what the British call a sweet potato; the Brits eat theirs roasted (as they do most things) and have not yet warmed to the American dish of “marshmallow yams.”May 8, 2014.
Is there a difference between a yam and a sweet potato?
In the United States, the terms “yam” and “sweet potato” are used interchangeably, but they are completely different vegetables. Yams are starchy and have a rough, brown exterior. Sweet potatoes are a New World root vegetable, have a softer, reddish skin, a creamier interior, and often, a darker interior.
Are yams toxic?
Naturally occurring plant proteins found in yams can be toxic and cause illness if consumed raw. Peeling and cooking yams thoroughly will remove any harmful substances ( 19 ). Summary: Sweet potatoes contain oxalates that can increase the risk of kidney stones.
What do True yams taste like?
What Do Yams Taste Like? Compared to sweet potatoes, yams have an earthy, neutral taste. They can be mildly sweet but mostly take on the flavor of the seasonings used in the dish. Yams must be cooked before eating because they are toxic when eaten raw.
Where did potatoes first come from?
The Inca Indians in Peru were the first to cultivate potatoes around 8,000 BC to 5,000 B.C. In 1536 Spanish Conquistadors conquered Peru, discovered the flavors of the potato, and carried them to Europe. Sir Walter Raleigh introduced potatoes to Ireland in 1589 on the 40,000 acres of land near Cork.
What does yams mean in slang?
“Got Yams” is slang for a women’s big round ass. Used in the African American community. It’s a compliment that you share only with your male friends. You see a nice ass walking by and you say to your friend,”Damn, that girl Got the Yams!”Jan 28, 2020.
What do you call someone from the Black Country?
Yam yam is a disparaging term that people from Birmingham commonly use to describe people from the Black Country. Verdict: Brummie. Unlike many of the other words on the list, people from the Black Country have never claimed ownership of this one. In fact, they’d be much happier if it never existed.
Are yam yams brummies?
Natives of Birmingham (Brummies) meanwhile often refer to their Black Country neighbours as “Yam Yams”, a reference to the use of “yow am” instead of “you are”. The blendings are to be thought of as products of Black Country pronunciation, not separate dialectal words.
Which country is the largest producer of yam?
The biggest producer of yams is Nigeria (more than 44 million tons), followed by Ghana, Ivory Coast, Benin and Togo. Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Haiti and Colombia complete the top 10. Most yams producing countries are in Africa.
Where does yam grow?
There are over 600 different varieties of yams and 95% of the food crop grows in Africa. These perennial, herbaceous vines that are cultivated for consumption are not grown in the United States, but in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Which state in Nigeria produce yam most?
Taraba is the top region by production of yam in Nigeria. As of 2005, production of yam in Taraba was 3,162 1000 metric tons that accounts for 12.89% of Nigeria’s production of yam. The top 5 regions (others are Benue, Niger, Enugu, and Kaduna) account for 50.55% of it.
