Are Yams and Sweet Potatoes the same? Understanding the difference

While there are many people who use ‘sweet potatoes’ and ‘yams’ similarly, it is essential for you to know that they are not the same. Yams and sweet potatoes are two different vegetables that are not only different in texture and colour, but also in nutrition. If you are also stuck between the debate of Yam vs sweet potato, then you can use this guide to understand the difference between these two products. 

Overview of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes, scientifically known as Ipomoea batatas, are root vegetables, which means that they are present as the root of a plant. Despite having potatoes in their name, they are quite loosely related to potatoes. 

The tuberous roots of sweet potatoes are eaten by people, and sometimes, their leaves and shoots are eaten as greens. The main difference between yams and sweet potatoes is the appearance of sweet potatoes, as they are long with smooth skin that can be anything from yellow and orange to brown, purple, or beige. 

Overview of Yams 

On the other hand, Yams are also tuber vegetables with more than 600 varieties. Compared to sweet potatoes, they are larger in size and have certain distinct characteristics that make them different from sweet potatoes. Yams are cylindrical in shape with rough skin that is mostly brown in colour. The skin of a yam is difficult to peel, but it softens after heating. 

Sweet potatoes are sweet in taste, but yams are more starchy and dry. Additionally, they have a longer shelf life than sweet potatoes. 

Yams and sweet potatoes are two different vegetables with different nutritional qualities. Apart from their appearance, the vegetables should be consumed differently. Sweet potatoes can be eaten raw; however, the same cannot be done with Yams, which is why it is very important to know which product you have before consuming them.