Sweet Yams

 

Sweet Yams

Dioscorea spp.

Origin: Africa

Quick Facts

  • ornamental flower with edible greens
  • flowers come in a variety of colors
  • grows well in hot Florida summer 
  • Swahili name is ‘mfungu’
  • another fact
  • another fact
  • another fact

HEADING about something general

A SUBHEADING about something specific

Sweet Yams also known as sweet potatoes
contain carry many benefits. They originates
from Africa and parts of Asia. They are
known to be a fat and cholesterol free food.

 

In Africa

This section should provide a brief overview of the history and significance of the plant in Africa. Be as specific as possible in describing where it originated and where it is still used used (country, region, etc.)

Describe the cultural aspect of the plant in this section. Consider presenting some of the common names in different African languages as well s the names if African dishes it is used in. 

In America

This section should provide a brief overview of the history and significance of the plant in Florida. Be as specific as possible in describing when it was brought to the US and how it is used in Florida or the United States.

Describe the cultural aspect of the plant in the US.  Is it a part of African American history? Has it been adapted by other cultures in the US? List  common names and the types of American dishes it is used in. 

Nutrition Facts

sweet yams are also know to provide you
with fiber, potassium, Vitamin C and beta
Carotene. Yams have the potential to
strengthen your blood vessels as well as you
immune system.

In Your Garden

Growing sweet yams is a process that takes up to 70 to 90 days to to
mature. 6 weeks before its time to plant place the roots in a box od
moist sand or leaves in a warm spot from just about 70 to 80
degrees. when its time to plant, make 6 inches deep to 12 inches
apart.

 

 

Recipes for Your Table

 

This section should provide a description of the plant as a culinary ingredient. This can include taste, flavor, common preparation techniques, names of several dishes, and other ingredients it is commonly associated with, etc. 

African Yam Stew

  • ½ cup water
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1-2 tablespoon(s) Anaheim or jalapeno pepper, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, ground
  • 1 tablespoon garlic granules
  • 2 teaspoons cumin, ground
  • 2 teaspoons coriander, ground
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 6 yams, peeled and chopped
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 24 ounces tomatoes, chopped
  • 14 ounces garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
  • 14 ounces black eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup almond or peanut butter, unsweetened
  • 1½ cup corn
  • 6 cups collards, chopped
  1. In a large pot, sauté onion and pepper with water for 5 minutes or until onions are translucent, stirring occasionally
  2. Add ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander and red pepper.
  3. Cook and stir for 1 minute.
  4. Mix in yams, vegetable broth, tomatoes, beans and nut butter.
  5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  6. Stir in corn and collards and cook for about 10 more minutes, until yams and greens are tender.
  7. Serve over brown rice or other whole grain.

Recipe from Forks Over Knives

Agua de Jamaica - Hibiscus Punch | Check out FoodCraftLab fo… | Flickr

References & Resources

    • http://www.wafarmtoschool.org/ToolKit/43/yams/Facts
    • https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/a20706654/how-to-grow-sweet-potatoes/
  • https://www.forksoverknives.com/recipes/vegan-soups-stews/african-yam-stew/

 

 

 

Kenny Juste contributed content to this webpage as part of HUM2420: African Humanities at Santa Fe College. This page was edited by Dr. Sarah Cervone in the Department of Humanities and Foreign Languages at Santa Fe College. 

This page was created as part of a Florida Folk Life project in collaboration with Santa Fe College, the Matheson Historical Museum and ……

For more information visit www.thefloridafolklifeproject.org