Did you know that in most U.S. grocery stores, what’s labeled as a “yam” is actually just a variety of sweet potato? Most people consider sweet potatoes and yams to be the same vegetable, but t hey are actually two totally different vegetables. Sweet Potatoes Sweet potatoes are generally the only ones you will see in the grocery store. They are members of the morning glory family. They have smooth skin and are usually orange on the inside, though white, yellow, and even purple varieties are available. Sweet potato varieties are classified as either ‘firm’ or ‘soft’. When cooked, those in the ‘firm’ category remain firm, while ‘soft’ varieties become soft and moist . Yams The real yam is rarely sold in the United States. There are over 600 varieties of yams, and 95% of the yam production occurs in Africa. They are closely related to lilies and grasses, have rough, bark-like skin, and are starchier and not as sweet as a sweet potato. They can grow very large. Man...