Sweet potato vs. Yam

Is there a big difference in the two? Is it a big deal to substitute one for the other in a recipe. It's hard to find sweet potatoes in my supermarket but there are always yams.

Re: Sweet potato vs. Yam

yes there is! but you won't find a real yam in the grocery store (well, unless you go to some SUPER well stocked place like fairway or an ethnic grocery store)

a yam is a GIANT tuber.... like the size of your forearm. it looks like a sweet potato on steroids. It's used in carribean cooking.... and is much more starchy than a sweet potato.

What americans think of as 'yams' are really all sweet potatoes... Ignore the grocery store labels. just get the kind you like the most... almost all american yam recipes are really sweet potato recipes....

Re: Sweet potato vs. Yam

ah good to know!

Re: Sweet potato vs. Yam

I've always wondered this too!

Mmmmm....I love yams AND sweet potatoes

Re: Sweet potato vs. Yam

Have you ever had Tipsy Sweet Potatoes from the jack Daniels website? They are awesome!!!

2 1/2 C., cooked, mashed sweet potatoes

4 T. butter

1/2 C. firmly packed light brown sugar

pinch of salt

1/4 C. Jack Daniel's Whiskey

Pecan halves for topping (Optional)


Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine all ingredients except topping.
Spoon into a greased, 1-quart casserole. Top with pecans if using. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.