VANILLAGOODS / FRESH MARKET BUYING GUIDE

Yams: Buying, Storage & Baking Guide

Learn how to choose, store, and bake with yams, with quality checks and U.S. season guidance.

Vegetables
Yams: True yams with rough bark-like skin, one cut

Look for

Vibrant, unbroken surface; no decaying spots

Feel & texture

Firm, sound texture appropriate to the crop

Aroma

Earthy/fresh smell, not sour or musty

What to avoid

Mold, slime, rot, wet soft patches

How to store

Storage depends on crop: cool, dry, or refrigerated

Typical U.S. season

Varies by region and availability

Growing regions and availability

High-level growing suitability depends on variety, climate and local conditions.

Seasons and growing conditions vary by location and variety. Imported or stored ingredients may be available outside typical growing windows.

Visual buying guide

Yams, where it grows: Yam vines climbing stakes in a tropical field

Where it grows

Yams, pick this one: Firm, heavy yams with intact skin

Pick this one

Vibrant, unbroken surface; no decaying spots

Yams, skip this one: Yams with soft dented patches

Skip this one

Mold, slime, rot, wet soft patches

What can you bake with Yams?

Sweet and savory bakes, quick breads, pies

Explore sweet potato recipes →

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