Taro vs. Yam: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Taro is a starchy root vegetable known for its brown, fibrous skin and white flesh with purple specks, while yams are tubers that can vary in skin color from brown to light pink and have a white, yellow, or purple flesh.
Key Differences
Taro, scientifically known as Colocasia esculenta, is a root vegetable commonly used in Asian, African, and Pacific Island cuisines, characterized by its brown outer skin and white flesh with purple spots. Yams, however, are part of the genus Dioscorea and are staple tubers in African and Caribbean diets, with a range of flesh colors from white to orange and purple.
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Nov 08, 2023
While taro is usually smaller and rounder with a more subdued taste, yams are typically larger, can grow several feet in length, and have a sweeter flavor profile. Taro is often used to make poi in Hawaiian cuisine, whereas yams are frequently found in dishes such as candied yams in Southern American cooking.
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Nov 08, 2023
The texture of taro is slightly grainy and drier, making it well-suited for dishes that require thickening, such as soups and stews. Yams have a more creamy and moist texture, which is why they are often used in dishes where a softer texture is desired.
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Nov 08, 2023
Nutritionally, both taro and yams are high in carbohydrates and dietary fiber, but yams hold more sugar and a higher calorie count, whereas taro is relatively lower in calories and contains more vitamins and minerals per serving.
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Nov 08, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Origin
Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands
Africa, Asia, and Latin America
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Culinary Uses
Poi, taro chips, and vegetable dishes
Candied yams, soups, and diverse cuisines
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Taro and Yam Definitions
Taro
The plant Colocasia esculenta, which has large green leaves.
The taro plant requires a lot of water to grow successfully.
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Nov 08, 2023
Yam
A versatile root that can be cooked in various ways, including boiling and roasting.
We roasted yams with herbs for a hearty side dish.
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Nov 08, 2023
Taro
A root often processed into flour or used in desserts.
She made a delicious taro cake for dessert tonight.
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Nov 08, 2023
Yam
A tuberous crop with varieties that have purple or white flesh.
Purple yams are often used in Filipino desserts.
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Nov 08, 2023
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Taro
A tropical root vegetable with a nutty flavor.
I included taro in the vegetable curry for added texture.
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Nov 08, 2023
Yam
A food source rich in carbohydrates and vitamins.
Yams are a nutritious addition to any meal.
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Nov 08, 2023
Taro
A starchy staple crop in many developing countries.
Farmers in the region harvest taro annually for the local markets.
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Nov 08, 2023
Yam
A starchy tuber with a sweet taste often found in African cuisine.
She prepared a spicy yam stew for dinner.
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Nov 08, 2023
Taro
A widely cultivated tropical Asian aroid plant (Colocasia esculenta) having broad peltate leaves and large starchy edible corms.
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Oct 19, 2023
Yam
The term used in the United States to describe soft, sweet varieties of sweet potatoes.
Candied yams are my favorite Thanksgiving dish.
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Nov 08, 2023
Yam
Any of numerous chiefly tropical vines of the genus Dioscorea, many of which have edible tuberous roots.
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Oct 19, 2023
Taro
Colocasia esculenta, raised as a food primarily for its corm, which distantly resembles potato.
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Oct 19, 2023
Taro
Any of several other species with similar corms and growth habit in Colocasia, Alocasia etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Yam
Any climbing vine of the genus Dioscorea in the Eastern and Western hemispheres, usually cultivated.
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Oct 19, 2023
Taro
A name for several aroid plants (Colocasia antiquorum, var. esculenta, Colocasia macrorhiza, etc.), and their rootstocks. They have large ovate-sagittate leaves and large fleshy tuberous rootstocks, which are cooked and used for food in tropical countries.
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Oct 19, 2023
Yam
The edible, starchy, tuberous root of that plant, a tropical staple food.
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Oct 19, 2023
Taro
Herb of the Pacific islands grown throughout the tropics for its edible root and in temperate areas as an ornamental for its large glossy leaves
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Taro
An edible tuber used extensively in Polynesian cuisine.
Taro is the primary ingredient in traditional Hawaiian poi.
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Nov 08, 2023
Yam
A large, esculent, farinaceous tuber of various climbing plants of the genus Dioscorea; also, the plants themselves. Mostly natives of warm climates. The plants have netted-veined, petioled leaves, and pods with three broad wings. The commonest species is Dioscorea sativa, but several others are cultivated.
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Yam
Any of a number of tropical vines of the genus Dioscorea many having edible tuberous roots
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Oct 19, 2023
Yam
Edible tuberous root of various yam plants of the genus Dioscorea grown in the tropics world-wide for food
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are taro and yam roots or stems?
Taro is a corm, and yams are tubers, both considered root vegetables.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can eating taro raw be harmful?
Yes, raw taro can contain harmful toxins and should be cooked.
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Nov 08, 2023
Is taro the same as yam?
No, taro and yam are different tubers from separate plant families.
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How is Taro prepared for cooking?
Taro is typically peeled, sliced, and boiled or fried before use in recipes.
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What does Taro taste like?
Taro has a mildly sweet and nutty flavor with a starchy texture, similar to potatoes.
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What are some popular dishes made with Taro?
Taro can be used in dishes like Taro chips, Taro cake, and Taro bubble tea.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can you substitute yam for taro in recipes?
While possible, the flavor and texture will differ.
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Can you eat Taro raw?
Taro should not be eaten raw as it contains substances that can cause irritation. It should be cooked before consumption.
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What climate do yams thrive in?
Yams prefer a tropical or subtropical environment.
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What is Taro?
Taro is a starchy root vegetable native to Southeast Asia and widely used in various cuisines around the world.
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Are yams a good source of nutrition?
Yes, yams are a good source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins (like vitamin C and B vitamins), and minerals (such as potassium and manganese).
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Nov 08, 2023
Is Taro the same as sweet potato?
No, Taro and sweet potatoes are different. Taro has a distinct flavor and texture, while sweet potatoes are sweeter and orange in color.
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Nov 08, 2023
What is Yam?
Yam is a tuberous root vegetable known for its starchy and slightly sweet flesh.
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Nov 08, 2023
Are yams and sweet potatoes the same thing?
No, yams and sweet potatoes are different plants. Yams are typically larger, have rough, dark brown skin, and are starchier than sweet potatoes.
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Nov 08, 2023
Where are yams commonly grown?
Yams are commonly grown in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
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Nov 08, 2023
Is Taro gluten-free?
Yes, Taro is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
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Nov 08, 2023
What does Yam taste like?
Yam has a mildly sweet taste and a starchy texture similar to sweet potatoes.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can you eat yams raw?
Raw yams are not recommended for consumption due to their tough texture and potential to cause digestive discomfort.
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What are some popular dishes made with yams?
Popular yam dishes include candied yams, yam fries, and yam pie.
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Nov 08, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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