Well, they're not actually yams at all, but rather sweet potatoes. Often referred to and used interchangeable, yams and sweet potatoes are, in fact, from two different families. Yams are actually the root of a tropical lily, so you wont find them grown locally. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, aren't even potatoes! They're related to the morning glory.

Nutritionally, sweet potatoes are a powerhouse. They're high in calcium, folate, potassium and beta-carotene. They also have a low-glycemic index, meaning their sugars are released more slowly into the blood stream and wont cause a sugar spike. To get the maximum nutritional value, leave the skins on. Scrub well and either roast or boil.

Fun Fact: Since potatoes are grown underground, they often have dirt on their skins. While it may be tempting to rinse off the dirt before storing, they will last longer if you keep them dry.