Produce Briefs...
Garlic Flowers
Garlic flowers are essentially the flowering seeds of a garlic plant. They emerge at the tip of the garlic's above-ground stem. The seeds appear once the garlic has reached maturity or if the plant begins to bolt early
Green Shishito Chile Peppers
Japanese peppers are mildly spicy and most often prepared cooked. Saute peppers in olive oil, over high heat, until they just begin to blister- serve hot, sprinkled with sea salt.
Seasons/Availability
Okinawan yam are available the year around.
Current Facts
The Okinawa yam, AKA Purple yam and uala, is in fact a Sweet potato and member of the morning glory family, Convolvulacea, which also houses thousands of herbaceous perennial vines, trees and shrubs. The Sweet potato is the storage organ of the plant, storing nutrients and carbohydrates which sustain its above ground shoots, vines, foliage and flowers.
Description/Taste
The Okinawan yam is ovate and tubular in shape with tapered ends. It has a buff colored skin with earthy spots. Its flesh is violet purple in color, and heavily starchy in texture, common by yam standards but uncommon by sweet potato standards.
Nutritional Value
The Okinawa yam is high in complex carbohydrates and provides a substantial amount of vitamin A, vitamin B-6, vitamin C, iron and potassium. It is a valuable source of insoluable fiber, which is derived from the starch in the potato's flesh.
Applications
When the Okinawan yam is cooked, its rich purple color intensifies. It can be stored up to six week s in a cool dry location.
Geography/History
Documented in America for the first time in 1676, the word "yam" is derived from the African word "njam," meaning "to eat". Native to the island of Okinawa, Japan, the Okinawa yam thrives primarily in the rich volcanic soil on the slopes of Mauna Kea Mountain in Hawaii. It was first brought to Hawaii by Polynesian settlers. It was among only 30 plants brought with the Polynesians, signaling to the crops culinary importance. Today, sweet potatoes are the seventh largest food crop.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Okinawan Yams. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Okinawan Yams using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Foodland Near Makakilo City, Hawaii, United States About 69 days ago, 4/10/13 Spotter's comments : Locally grown available at Foodland. Down to Earth Near Makakilo City, Hawaii, United States About 72 days ago, 4/07/13 Spotter's comments : Locally grown purple sweet potatoes are here. Specialty Produce Near San Diego, California, United States About 122 days ago, 2/16/13 Spotter's comments : The Okinawan yam is high in complex carbohydrates and provides a substantial amount of vitamin A, B 6, vitamin C, iron and potassium . In stock. Specialty Produce Near San Diego, California, United States About 158 days ago, 1/11/13 Spotter's comments : They are crazy nutritious! High in complex carbs and vitamins. |
