The leaves begin to yellow and wither ... or sticks—and rinse thoroughly in water. Always boil the yam before further cooking and preferably use gloves while handling raw yam to avoid irritation.

They will have advice on whether the yam must be peeled before cooking and how to serve it. Small yams can be cooked in their skins, but larger ones should be peeled, washed and blanched for 10-20 ...