Yam

vegetables · underground · Africa · carbs

Ancient African crop. Yams were first grown in Africa, and people have been eating them for over 8,000 years. Today they are still super popular in West African cooking and around the world.

Grows from tubers. A yam is actually the swollen underground stem of a plant that stores energy like a battery. This chunk can weigh anywhere from a few pounds to over 100 pounds depending on the type.

Packed with nutrition. Yams are full of carbohydrates that give you energy, plus vitamins and minerals your body needs. They're also high in fiber, which helps keep your digestion running smoothly.

Vine grows above ground. While the yam itself hides underground, the plant grows a long vine with leaves above that can wrap around trees or stakes. Farmers sometimes tie the vines up to help them grow better.

Cooked many ways. You can bake, boil, fry, or mash yams to eat them. In some countries, yams are grilled over fire or turned into flour for baking.