Description/Taste
Yam bean is an oval-shaped root vegetable related to legumes. The size of this tuber can range from one to five pounds, and some can reach up to fifty pounds. It has a rough brown skin and a juicy, crisp white flesh. Yam bean has a texture similar to an uncooked potato, yet crunchier and juicy. The taste is somewhat sweet, with a texture and taste similar to a water chestnut.

The outer skin of the yam bean is too thick to peel; its rough brown exterior should be cut away with a sharp knife. Often diced or julienned, yam beans are added to salads or side dishes for additional texture and flavor. Yam beans can be eaten both raw and cooked. Sliced thinly, a large disc ofyam beanThey can be used as a "tortilla" for tacos or as rolls for hors d’oeuvres. A popular way to heat it in Mexico is sliced, chilled and sprinkled with chili powder, salt and lime juice. The color and crispness of the root vegetable don’t diminish over time, and if refrigerated, it will keep for long periods of time as well. yam beans is high in protein and low in fat, so it can often be found as an ingredient in Paleo and Raw diets.

Yam beans are available year-round with a peak season in the fall.