The BEST Candied Yams Recipe (without corn syrup!) (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between candied yams and candied sweet potatoes? ›

Yams and sweet potatoes differ in flavor and appearance, and they are not related. Sweet potatoes are in the morning glory family, while yams belong to the lily family. Yams aren't as sweet as sweet potatoes, and they are starchier and drier. Their texture and flavor are more similar to potatoes or yuca.

Drain the syrup: This is a key move so your candied yams don't turn out runny due to too much liquid in the baking dish.

If you're able to find true yams in your supermarket, they can be prepared just like your favorite potato recipes—boiled, roasted, baked, or fried. But if sweet, candied recipes are what you're after, you probably want to stick to using sweet potatoes.

Although both veggies are very close in fiber, protein, vitamin C, and magnesium, sweet potatoes are the healthier option because they are lower in overall calories, lower in carbohydrates, and higher in beta carotene (vitamin A).

Its high fibre content contributes to a glycemic index of 54, significantly lower than that of potatoes having a glycemic index of 80. This makes yam better suited for weight watchers, diabetics and those with heart disease as it does not create sharp increase in insulin response.

Weight Loss Because of High Fibre Content of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, which might aid in weight loss and belly fat reduction. Sweet potatoes' high fiber content makes you feel 'full' after a meal, which helps you keep to a calorie-restricted diet.

To thicken syrup without any additives, simply reduce it on the stove. Pour the syrup into a saucepan, then turn the burner on low. Bring the sauce to a low simmer and let it sit for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn't burn.

Yes, your dog can eat yams—just remember to cook them first. By boiling or cooking these starchy root vegetables, you rid them of certain tannins and compounds that could prove toxic to your dog. While raw yams might not be good for your dog, cooked yams are an excellent whole food for your furry friend.

The popular canned yams that you see around the holidays are technically sweet potatoes. Use this as a guide to determine yam vs sweet potato: Sweet Potatoes - The most common varieties of sweet potatoes in the US have smooth orange or reddish skin, orange flesh, and a sweet flavor.

Are taro and yam the same? ›

Taro is grown from the tropical taro plant and is not one of the nearly 600 types of yams. taro plant, and unlike purple yams, they are not a species of yam.

Yams are not only an excellent source of fiber but also high in potassium and manganese, which are important for supporting bone health, growth, metabolism, and heart function ( 3 , 4 ). These tubers also provide decent amounts of other micronutrients, such as copper and vitamin C.

What Are Yams? Yams are also a tuber vegetable. Their scientific name is Dioscorea, and they originate in Africa and Asia. They are now commonly found in the Caribbean and Latin America as well. Over 600 varieties of yams are known, and 95% of these are still grown in Africa.

Unlike sweet potatoes, which can be eaten raw, yams always should be peeled and cooked because they contain many naturally occurring plant toxins including dioscorin.

Sweet potatoes tend to have a more tapered shape and may be firm or soft with thinner skin. Generally, sweet potatoes taste sweeter than yams. You will more readily encounter sweet potatoes during your regular grocery run, but if you spot a yam, which may be labeled "sweet potato," you'll know the truth.

The word yam is derived from nyam, nyami, or nyambi, verbs of various African dialects meaning either “to taste” or “to eat.” The prevailing theory is that enslaved Africans applied these terms over time to the sweet potatoes available in the Americas, which took the place in their diet of the staple root vegetable ...

From a culinary perspective, the biggest difference between sweet potatoes and yams becomes more apparent when they are cooked. Yams are starchy and dry, but sweet potatoes are fluffier and the right consistency for this rich autumn tart.

There are five main types of sweet potato that are commonly consumed today—Garnet, Hannah, Japanese, Jewel, and Purple Stoke.