What is the Difference Between Cassava and Yam

The main difference between cassava and yam is that cassava possesses a higher percentage of calories than yams.

It is true that yams and cassava are tuberous root vegetables. Both cassava and yams grow out of a flowering plant. However, there are distinct differences between the nutrient profile and the outward appearance of these two root vegetables.

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is Cassava  
     – Definition, Features, Nutrients 
2. What is Yam
     – Definition, Features, Nutrients 
3. Similarities Between Cassava and Yam
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Cassava and Yam
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Cassava, Yam, Root Vegetables

What is Cassava

Cassava is a root vegetable frequently consumed by many communities all around the world. Cassava is a root vegetable rich in a variety of essential nutrients and resistant starch. Therefore, cassava consumption can give you lots of health benefits.

When it comes to the flavor profile, cassava has a nut-like flavor. Moreover, cassava is starchy when it comes to texture. It is a crop native to South America. However, it is currently considered as one of the principal sources of food that provides carbs and calories for communities around the world.

When we look at the worldwide cassava production, Thailand, Indonesia, and Nigeria are the biggest producers of cassava. Furthermore, farmers in the tropical regions are mainly interested in cassava cultivation because cassava is a crop that is able to withstand rough growing conditions. Above all, cassava is one of the most drought-tolerant crops in the world.

There are both bittersweet varieties of cassava in the world. Although many people consume cassava root, cassava leaves are also incorporated into a variety of South Asian dishes. The cassava root is extremely versatile. You can consume it either boiled or cooked as a whole or grated and ground into cassava flour with which you can make delicious crackers or bread. However, you should always keep in mind to cook the cassava root before consumption. If consumed raw, cassava can be toxic or deadly to some people.

What is Yam

Yams are another variety of root vegetables that are native to Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Compared to cassava, yams are relatively less sweet. But yams share an extremely starchy texture. Yam flesh usually takes a white, yellow, pink, or purple shade based on the maturity level of the yam.

Similar to cassava, yams are also full of nutrients and give you lots of health benefits. For instance, yams are a source of food rich in fiber, manganese, and potassium. Therefore, yam intake can support your body growth, bone health, heart function, and metabolism. Furthermore, yams are rich in micronutrients such as vitamin C, which boosts the body’s immune system, and copper, which is essential for the production of red blood cells.

Similarities Between Cassava and Yam

• Both cassava and yams are root vegetables rich in carbs and calories.
• They are starchy and can be prepared with many recipes due to their versatile nature.
• Both cassava and yams can be served as carbohydrate-rich side dishes for a well-balanced diet.

Difference Between Cassava and Yam

Definition

Cassava is a root vegetable rich in a variety of essential nutrients and resistant starch, while yams are a variety of highly nutritious root vegetables that have a relatively low content of calories compared to cassava.

Appearance

Yams usually come in a cylindrical shape covered by a brownish bark-like skin and white with pinkish or purple flesh inside. Cassava also takes a long shape and usually comes with a rough dark brown bark-like skin and white flesh.

Calorie Content

Cassava possesses a higher percentage of calories than yams.

Conclusion

Though both cassava and yam are root vegetables rich in carbs, when it comes to their calories,  cassava possesses a higher calorie content compared to yams. This is the main difference between cassava and yam. However, both yam and cassava are equally nutritious sources of carbohydrates that can be taken as a part of your balanced diet.

Reference:

1. “Cassava.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
2. “Yam.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Cassava (2)” By Renatosjoao – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Yam-yam-background-food-background” (CC0) via Pixabay