finding actual yams is harder. But, if you're interested in this bit of African culinary history — or simply enjoy trying new foods — it might be worthwhile to seek out the real deal.

You can find varieties with snow-white, purple or the familiar bright orange flesh. In contrast, a real yam is starchy and dry, with a bark-like brown skin. Its flesh can be off-white, purple or ...

Those bright orange cuts in syrup in cans labeled “yams” in huge letters aren’t even related to real yams! Chances are, most of us have never even had actual yams—just different types of sweet ...