Yams are a main food crop for millions in the tropical regions of the world. True yams are the third most important tropical root crop after cassava and sweet potatoes. The name ‘yam’ properly belongs to the various species of Dioscorea. However, Americans call their sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) yams. Today, even supermarkets and canners often label orange sweet potatoes as yams. The true yam is very different in botanical terms, appearance, taste, texture, and color.
