UW Extension

Did you know a sweet potato is not a yam? When it comes to the yam, there is a bit of confusion. What you’ve been referring to as a “yam” is most likely a sweet potato. You may have never even tasted a yam.

The so-called “yams” in the supermarket produce section are nearly always sweet potatoes. Some people think that red-skinned, long sweet potatoes are yams, but they surely are just one of many varieties of sweet potatoes.

Sweet Potatoes vs. Yams

“Sweet potato” and “yam” are often synonyms in recipes and at the market. They are two different plants and even belong to different plant families...