Chinese Yam
Dioscorea batatas — Dioscoreaceae
Italiano: Igname cinese — Shan Yao
Description
Chinese Yam (Dioscorea batatas) belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family and is native to Asia. It thrives in Mountain slopes, Forest edges environments across regions including China, Japan, Korea. Botanically, Chinese Yam is slippery starchy tuber. Chinese medicine. Grated raw tororo-like.. It is also known locally as Shan Yao. The edible parts include Tubers. With an edibility rating of 7/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during November, October and September. Nutritionally, Chinese Yam stands out for its Potassium (480.0mg, 10% DV), Magnesium (18.0mg, 4% DV) and Iron (0.5mg, 3% DV). It also provides 1.5g protein and 3.9g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Chinese Yam offers a Slippery starchy mild flavor profile. Grated raw stewed. Common culinary applications include grated raw tororo, stew, fried. Popular preparations include Chinese yam tororo, Yam, Roasted root vegetables, Root vegetable soup. For storage, tub 2wk. Safety note: No toxicity. Antinutrient content is mucilage. Safe lookalike species include Cultivated yam. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.
🌿 Foraging Tips
🍳 Recipe: Chinese yam tororo
This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.
Edibility
Harvest Calendar
Nutrition (per 100g)
Culinary Uses: grated raw tororo, stew, fried Storage: Tub 2wk
Recipes
- Chinese yam tororo
- Yam
- Roasted root vegetables
- Root vegetable soup
- Mashed wild roots
- Stir-fried Chinese Yam
- Chinese Yam tempura
- Chinese Yam and tofu soup
