Program Information

In the southern United States, yams are called sweet potatoes. Though they look similar and are used in pretty much the same way, the two are not even distantly related -- and are actually in two different botanical families. This nutritious vegetable is low in sodium, and is a good source of fiber and other important vitamins and minerals.

ABCs of Agriculture informs about Virginia's farming community and how it affects you. ABCs of Agriculture are produced by the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) - an educational program which encourages and enhances agricultural literacy in Grades K-5 and 6-8.

Transcript

Hello, and welcome to the ABC’s of Agriculture! We’re here today to talk about the letter Y, for Yams!

What are frequently called yams, especially in the Southern United States, are in fact sweet potatoes. The two are not related, even though they look similar and are used in pretty much the same way. Despite a physical similarity and a frequent confusion with their names, yams and sweet potatoes are not even distantly related. They are in two different botanical families. Yams are actually related to grasses and lilies.

In the U.S. most of us consider sweet potatoes to be yams….Although the terms are generally used interchangeably, the U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that the label "yam" always be accompanied by "sweet potato."

This nutritious vegetable provides the Recommended Daily Allowance for vitamin C, calcium, iron, and thiamine for healthy adults. It is low in sodium and is a good source of fiber and other important vitamins and minerals. A complex carbohydrate food source, it provides beta carotene which may be a factor in reducing the risk of certain cancers.

Virginia is a small sweet potato producing state… In 2002 Virginia produced less than 1 percent of all United States’ sweet potatoes!

For the ABC’s of Agriculture, I’m Professor Brad. See you next time!

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