Recently people who love yam had bought a few tubers and regretted why they made the purchase. They could not enjoy the yam. Some wonder if there is truly a way to know a good yam in Nigeria.
In fact, they are gradually replacing their love for yam with sweet potatoes.
Well, there are so many reasons it may be difficult to know a good yam in Nigeria. One of them is that most yams are planted with fertilisers.
The reason is that most farmers are not able to go far into the bush to farm, so, they reuse their land, adding fertiliser to it.
Remember, people in the middle belt and northern region are battling insurgency, with much attacks happening further into the bush.
Indeed, yam is a staple food in Nigeria, but not all yams are of good quality.
To the best of our knowledge, here’s how to pick the best yams.
1. Check The Skin Texture
Good yams have smooth, firm skin with few blemishes.
Avoid yams with cuts, holes, or bruises, as they may be rotten inside.
2. Feel The Weight
A heavy yam is a sign of freshness and moisture content.
If it feels too light, it might be dry or old.
3. Press For Firmness
Press gently with your fingers—good yams should feel hard. Do this in a way that the seller may not know. Some could become aggressive when you do that.
If it’s soft or spongy, it may be spoiling inside.
4. Look At The Shape
Long, well-formed yams cook evenly and are easier to peel.
Very knobby or twisted yams can be difficult to handle.
5. Avoid Sprouting Yams
If you see too many sprouts, the yam is getting old.
Sprouted yams can have a bitter taste and less starch.
6. Choose The Right Variety For Your Needs
White Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) – Best for pounded yam and boiling.
Water Yam (Dioscorea alata) – Softer, good for porridge.
Yellow Yam (Dioscorea cayenensis) – Has a sweeter taste and yellow flesh.
7. Scratch The Skin Slightly
Also, another way to know a good yam is to scratch a small part of the skin with your fingernail.
A fresh yam should show white or yellow flesh inside.
Have You Read:Â Weight By Weight: Semo Vs Pounded Yam, Calories Compared
If it looks black or dark, it might be rotten.
Final Tip: Buy From Trusted Sellers! If you identify a seller whose yam is good, always go to that seller.
Buy yams from reliable markets or farmers to get fresh and high-quality produce.
While these may help, remember that most of the yams are planted with fertiliser and that also affects how durable the yam is and the taste.