What are the differences between a sweet potatoe and a yam?

Answer 1

Only difference is where you're from - means the same thing

Answer 2

From the website, www.saturdaymarket.com

In super markets in the U.S., there is no botanical difference between what's sold as a "yam" and what's sold as a "sweet potato". In fact, they are both sweet potatoes, which are in the morning glory family. "Yams" are simply a type of sweet potato and were given that name to distinguish them from other types of "sweet potatoes". Because the USDA requires that "yams" be labeled to show that they're a form of sweet potato, you may sometimes see them labeled as "yam-sweet potato"..

Differences

Skin
Sweet Potatoes - Generally, lighter in color than yams. Light yellow or tan. The exception is the Japanese sweet potato, which has a deep purple skin, but meets the other characteristics of sweet potatoes.
Yam Deep - red, purplish or dark copper tone.

Flesh color
Sweet Potatoes - Light yellow to pale orange.
Yams - Deep or vivid orange.

Moisture
Sweet Potatoes - Drier than a "yam" and somewhat sweeter. Yam - Quite moist; almost "mushy". Not as sweet as sweet potatoes.

Answer 3

Yams are native to Asia and Africa and have thick skin and flesh that is white, orange or purple. They are often used as a starch, much as we use bread or pasta. In fact, yams are one of the most important food crops in the tropics and subtropical countries. Yams are usually boiled, baked, fried as chips or grated and steamed for breads and cakes.

Sweet potatoes are available in two primary varieties. One has tan skin and dry yellow flesh; the other, darker-skinned variety has sweet orange flesh and is often mistakenly called a yam. Sweet potatoes are what most people in the United States eat.

An actual yam is from the genus Dioscorea and a Sweet Potato is from the genus Ipomoea Batatas

Answer 4

They are the same thing. Just like some people call the food Candy Yams or Sweet potatoes. Same.

Answer 5

Although the terms are usually used interchangeably, the biggest difference is where they're from -- not where you're from, but where the food is grown. Sweet potatoes are grown in the US; yams are imported.

Answer 6

on the inside, a sweet potato will be more orange in color. A yam will be more yellow. They don't taste much different to me though.

Answer 7

I desire yams extra acceptable. I undergo in options studying in culinary college that the favorite day yams are actual sweet potatoes and sweet potatoes are truly yams. sweet pototoes are extra orange and formed much like a huge baking potato, even if yams are darker and extra skinny and lengthy. solid question, i desire that i did not confuse you.

Answer 8

You can't get Yams in the US - you eat sweet potatoes here.

Answer 9

Everyone seems to think they are the same. I think basically they are, they can be used the same way. The inside flesh of sweet potato is bright orange, while yams are creamy whitish/light yellow colored. Also they are larger and I believe less sweet flavored.

Answer 10

they are the same thing just you make yams sweet potatoes by using brown and regular sugar

Answer 11

sweet potato is orange and yam is purple