The terms "yam" and "sweet potato" are often used interchangeably, yet they come from different plant species — sweet potatoes from the Americas and yams from Africa, revealing an intricate web of culinary history. The real yam is significantly drier and rarer in the U.S., which contributes to the public's confusion.
The confusion began in the 1930s when a new variety of sweet potato was cultivated that resembled yams. Enslaved African communities opted for the term "yam" because the new sweet potato variety reminded them of the yams they consumed in Africa. This cultural connection highlights the significance of naming in the culinary world.
As the USDA regulations stipulate today, any product labeled as "yams" must also include the term "sweet potatoes." This legislation speaks to the importance of accurate food labeling to educate consumers about the food they are purchasing and consuming.
At farmers' markets, one can find an array of sweet potato varieties such as Beauregard, known for its versatile cooking ability and vivid orange flesh that remains bright when cooked, catering to a wide range of culinary applications.
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