Produce Briefs...
Mangosteen
The Purple mangosteen, botanical name Garcinia magostana, simply referred to as mangosteen, is an ultra-tropical slow growing evergreen tree that is cultivated for its edible fruit.
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
Seasons/Availability
Baby yams are available fall and winter.
Current Facts
Baby yams are the young, immature edible root of the same plant as mature yams. They are not true yams, however. They are botanically classified as sweet potatoes, though their orange colored flesh would lead you to believe otherwise. American yams are all, in fact, sweet potatoes. No yam variety grows within the United States. The baby yam is generally a Garnet or Jewel variety of sweet potatoes.
Description/Taste
Baby "yams" are petite, roughly oblong and tubular in shape, their ends tapering to a point. Their skin is semi smooth with colorings ranging from earthy salmon to pale garnet. The flesh is moist and dense with colors varying from deep yellow to vibrant orange, depending on variety. Their flavor is quintessentially earthy and sweet.
Nutritional Value
The nutritional value of the yam is principally as a source of carbohydrates, though if eaten in large quantities it can provide a substantial amount of protein, thiamin and vitamin C.
Geography/History
The common yam is native to Southeast Asia. It spread from there to the Old World tropics of Polynesia to Madagascar and East Africa. It is grown in both the Old World and New World in tropical environments. Sweet potatoes are native to Peru and Ecuador. They can grow in both tropical and temperate climates, hence their ability to be cultivated in America.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Baby Yams. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Healthy Blender Recipes |
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Vegan Orange Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes with Candied Maple Pecans |
