Is the "Yam" in Supermarkets Abroad Real Yam? How to Tell Yam From Sweet Potato

Tokunbo Central’s answer: in many countries, especially North America, the word “yam” on a supermarket label usually means sweet potato. True yam is a different plant.

• Real yam has rough, bark-like brown skin, white or cream flesh, and is often sold in large pieces or by weight. Look for “puna yam”, “African yam”, “Ghana yam” or “white yam”.
• Sweet potato has thin smooth skin and orange, purple or white flesh, and tastes sweet when cooked.
• Where to buy: African, Caribbean and some Asian stores. Ask staff for “Ghana yam” if they do not recognise other names.
• Check freshness: press the ends; avoid soft, mouldy or very light tubers. Cut ends should look white and moist, not grey.
• Storage: keep whole yam in a cool, dry, dark place (not the fridge). Peel, cut and freeze extra pieces for boiling later.
• Poundo and yam flour are reliable backups when fresh yam is pricey or out of season.

Your turn: what do you pay for a tuber of yam where you live, and where do you get the best ones?