Sweet Potato vs. Yam — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
Sweet potatoes are starchy root vegetables with tapered ends, while yams are tubers, rough-skinned and often larger, native to Africa and Asia.
Difference Between Sweet Potato and Yam
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sweet potatoes and yams, both root vegetables, are often mistakenly interchanged due to certain similarities. Sweet potatoes, hailing primarily from Central and South America, belong to the morning glory family. They come in a variety of colors, from orange to purple, and have a sweet, creamy texture. Yams, on the other hand, belong to the Dioscoreaceae family and are native to Africa and Asia.
Yams are distinct from sweet potatoes in both taste and appearance. Sweet potatoes are usually smaller with smooth skin and tapered ends, and their flesh ranges from white to orange and even purple. Yams possess a more cylindrical shape, rough bark-like skin, and their flesh can vary from white to reddish or even purple. When it comes to taste, while sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and creamy, yams are starchy and drier.
In the United States, the term "yam" is sometimes used to describe specific varieties of sweet potatoes, particularly the soft, orange-fleshed ones. This confusion began in the 20th century when U.S. producers labeled these sweet potatoes as "yams" to differentiate them from their firmer, white-fleshed counterparts. However, true yams are rare in U.S. supermarkets and are usually found in international or specialty grocery stores.
The nutritional profiles of sweet potatoes and yams also differ. Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any diet. Yams, while still nutritious, have a higher calorie count and fewer vitamins but are an excellent source of potassium and manganese.
Comparison Chart
Origin
Central and South America
Africa and Asia
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Family
Morning glory family
Dioscoreaceae family
Appearance
Smaller, smooth skin, tapered ends
Cylindrical, rough bark-like skin
Taste/Texture
Sweet, creamy
Starchy, drier
Availability in U.S.
Commonly found; some varieties mistakenly labeled as yams
Rare, usually in international/specialty stores
Compare with Definitions
Sweet Potato
A nutritious vegetable rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C.
Adding sweet potatoes to your diet can boost your vitamin intake.
Yam
A starchy tuber native to Africa and Asia.
He bought a yam from the international market for a recipe.
Sweet Potato
Often confused with yams in the United States.
She mistakenly bought sweet potatoes thinking they were yams.
Yam
Belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family.
The yam plant is different from the sweet potato plant.
Sweet Potato
A vegetable with tapered ends and smooth skin, varying in color.
She roasted orange and purple sweet potatoes for dinner.
Yam
High in potassium and manganese.
Yams are a good dietary source of essential minerals.
Sweet Potato
A commonly consumed vegetable in American cuisine.
Mashed sweet potatoes are her favorite side dish.
Yam
Less commonly found than sweet potatoes in the U.S.
It's challenging to find yams in local grocery stores here.
Sweet Potato
A starchy root vegetable belonging to the morning glory family.
The sweet potato pie was a hit at the Thanksgiving dinner.
Yam
Any of numerous chiefly tropical vines of the genus Dioscorea, many of which have edible tuberous roots.
Yam
The starchy root of any of these plants, used in the tropics as food.
Yam
See sweet potato.
Yam
Any climbing vine of the genus Dioscorea in the Eastern and Western hemispheres, usually cultivated.
Yam
The edible, starchy, tuberous root of that plant, a tropical staple food.
Yam
(US) A sweet potato; a tuber from the species Ipomoea batatas.
Yam
(Scotland) Potato.
Yam
(NZ) A oca; a tuber from the species Oxalis tuberosa.
Yam
Taro.
Yam
An orange-brown colour, like the flesh of the yam. en
Yam
A large, esculent, farinaceous tuber of various climbing plants of the genus Dioscorea; also, the plants themselves. Mostly natives of warm climates. The plants have netted-veined, petioled leaves, and pods with three broad wings. The commonest species is Dioscorea sativa, but several others are cultivated.
Yam
Any one of several cultural varieties of the sweet potato.
Yam
Edible tuber of any of several yams
Yam
Any of a number of tropical vines of the genus Dioscorea many having edible tuberous roots
Yam
Sweet potato with deep orange flesh that remains moist when baked
Yam
Edible tuberous root of various yam plants of the genus Dioscorea grown in the tropics world-wide for food
Yam
A vegetable with rough, bark-like skin and varying flesh colors.
The yam's skin was tough, but its flesh was soft after cooking.
Common Curiosities
Which vegetable belongs to the morning glory family?
The sweet potato belongs to the morning glory family.
Are yams commonly found in U.S. grocery stores?
No, true yams are rare and usually found in specialty or international stores.
Where are sweet potatoes native to?
Sweet potatoes are native to Central and South America.
Are sweet potatoes nutritious?
Yes, they're rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and fiber.
Which is larger, sweet potatoes or yams?
Yams are typically larger and more cylindrical than sweet potatoes.
What does a yam look like?
Yams have a cylindrical shape with rough, bark-like skin.
Which vegetable is creamier in texture?
Sweet potatoes have a creamier texture than yams.
Which vegetable is sweeter in taste?
Sweet potatoes have a naturally sweet taste, while yams are more starchy.
Can you make fries with both vegetables?
Yes, both sweet potato fries and yam fries can be made.
Do both come in a variety of colors?
Yes, both sweet potatoes and yams can vary in flesh color.
Are sweet potatoes and yams the same?
No, they are different vegetables, though often confused in the U.S.
Why are some sweet potatoes labeled as yams in the U.S.?
U.S. producers labeled orange-fleshed sweet potatoes as "yams" to differentiate them, causing confusion.
Are yams a good source of any minerals?
Yes, yams are an excellent source of potassium and manganese.
Which has a higher calorie count?
Yams have a higher calorie count compared to sweet potatoes.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
