What Are Jamaican Yams And How Do You Cook Them?

Jamaican yams are one of the most common ingredients you will find in a Jamaican meal. They are typically shaped like a thick, giant carrot and can be found in different colors that vary from white to dark brown. This article is your guide to everything you need to know about this delicious vegetable!

What are Jamaican yams?

These yams are a type of sweet potato that are typically cooked in a savory way, such as in a stew or curry. They can also be boiled and steam them to create patties or baked. There are three main types of Jamaica yams: the sugar-yam, the starch-yam and the meat-yam. The sugar-yam is the most common, and is the most expensive. The starch-yam is less expensive, but has less flavor than the sugar-yam. The meat-yam is the cheapest, but doesn’t have as much flavor as the other two types.

Nutrition Facts

Jamaican yams are a type of sweet potato that are boiled, baked or mashed. They are high in potassium and magnesium and low in calories. They can be eaten as is, or used in recipes such as sweet potato pie or roasted Jamaican yam and coconut curry soup.

Can Jamaican yams be eaten raw or cooked?

Raw Jamaican yams can be eaten as is or cooked in a variety of ways. The best way to cook them is by boiling or steaming them. You can also fry them, bake them, or make soup with them.

Jamaican yam vs sweet potato: what’s the difference?

Jamaican yams are light and airy, with a sweet flavor and a slightly marshmallow-like texture. They’re often used in savory dishes, such as curries or stews, but can also be enjoyed as a side dish. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are denser and starchier, with a more complex flavor and a slightly orange hue. They can be cooked in the same way as regular potatoes, but are also great for baking or making mashed potatoes.

Cooking Tips for Jamaican Yams

When it comes to cooking Jamaican yams, the sky is the limit! These versatile root vegetables can be boiled, baked, fried or even roasted. Here are some cooking tips for making the most of these delicious treats:

Boil Jamaican Yams: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Poke a few holes in the yams with a fork and add them to a pot of boiling water. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the yams from the pot and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes or until they are tender.

Bake Jamaican Yams: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Poke a few holes in the yams with a fork and spread them out on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the yams and bake for 25 minutes or until they are tender.

Fry Jamaican Yams: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the yams and cook for 5 minutes or until they are golden brown. Serve hot!

Roast Jamaican Yams : Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Poke a few holes in the yams with a fork and spread them out on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the yams and roast for 30 minutes or until they are tender.

Jamaican yams with candied pecans

If you’re looking for a delicious, nutritious side dish to go with your Jamaican dinner, look no further than jamaican yams. These tubers are similar in shape and size to sweet potatoes, but have a custardy texture and a deep, rich flavor that’s absolutely addictive. Here’s how to cook them so they’re perfect every time.

How to prepare:

First, prep your yams by peeling them and then cutting them into bite-sized pieces. You can either fry them or bake them in the oven, but either way you’ll want to toss them in some salt and sugar before cooking. Once they’re seasoned up, it’s time to add the fun part: the candied pecans!

To make these nuts, first preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then spread the pecans out on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes until they’re lightly browned and starting to become crispy. Once they’re done, let them cool completely before serving.

Now that you know how to make perfect Jamaican yams every time, there’s no reason not to enjoy this healthy side dish at your next Jamaican meal! Here is a recipe for candied fennel, which is mutually delicious and easy to make.

Conclusion

Jamaican yams are a type of sweet potato that is grown in the Caribbean. They have a slightly different flavor than normal sweet potatoes and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including roasted, boiled, or mashed. They make an excellent side dish or dessert and are also good for making Jamaican jerk chicken. If you’re ever in the Caribbean and want to try Jamaican yams, be sure to look for them at your local grocery store or farmer’s market.