Yam Storage Hack (Fresh Yam!)

If you can’t live without yams, then you will appreciate this Yam Storage Hack!

Did you know that yam, an edible starchy tuber vegetable, is in season only from June to October? From now on, you can have yams all year round.

I’ve tried this storage method for a long time, and it has always been the most effective way to store it. Now, I can cook yams whenever my family craves them!

how to preserve fresh yam

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With this yam storage hack, you will safe money, keep your yams fresh, avoid food wastage, and enjoy quality yams anytime you want!

How to Store Yam

If not stored properly, then the yams will only last up to a week. With this yam storage hack, you won’t have to worry about running out of yams anymore.

Today, you will learn an effective, easy, and quick way of storing yams. It won’t cost much, yet it’s guaranteed to give the best results.

Ingredient

Yam lovers, you have come to the right place!

Yams

You will surely go “yum” with yams! They are tuber vegetables that are starchy and sweet with a touch of nutty and earthy flavors.

Once you cook them, yams will remind you of how potatoes taste and feel! Raw yams may feel firm, but cooked yams have a soft, buttery, and decadent texture.

They are popularly used in African and Caribbean cooking for their rich flavor and good consistency. Imagine how thick, fluffy, and satisfying they will be after cooking.

Health Benefits

  • The potassium from yams can help give you stronger bones and muscles.
  • According to Healthline, yams have positive effects on brain function.
  • Yams have resistant starch that can improve your digestion and gut health.
  • HealthifyMe mentioned that yams are low in calories to help with weight loss.
  • These yams also have cancer-fighting properties to protect you from different types of cancer.

It’s truly a versatile ingredient that you can use for desserts, stews, soups, and more! Yams are usually boiled or fried but can also be used for slow-cooked recipes because they can hold their shape well. 

With the flavor, texture, and quality you can get from yams, you won’t be able to get enough of them. It’s a good thing that there’s a yam storage hack to make them last longer!

Directions

Here are the steps you need to remember for the yam storage hack:

  1. Use a knife to slice the yam into large circles.
  2. Then, peel the yams.
  3. Slice them into your preferred shapes and sizes.
  4. Rinse the yam slices in water.
  5. Drain the water using a colander.
  6. Arrange the yams on a lined tray.
  7. Let it freeze solid for about two hours. 
  8. Once frozen, transfer them into freezer bags.

Can you believe that this is how easy and simple it is to store yams? Now, you won’t have to worry about running out of yams!

fresh yam

Tips

Aside from learning the yam storage hack, here are other tips you will find handy when it comes to yams.

Buying yams

  • According to Medium, yams should feel firm without bruises, cracks, or soft spots.
  • It has a bark-like texture that isn’t shriveled. 

How to Tell Yams from Potatoes

  • When it comes to the inside color, yams have a white shade, whereas sweet potatoes are usually orange.
  • They also have a darker color and more textured skin than potatoes. 
  • If you’re buying from a grocery store, then check the packaging label to be certain. 

Preparing Yams

While frozen foods are usually thawed overnight, you can directly slice or cook them to use them. You’ll notice it’s starting to cook when you can pierce through it with a fork. 

Yam Varieties

There are plenty of varieties that you can try out. For instance, American Yam is likely to be softer and red in color. It is also best used when you want to achieve a dish with a creamy consistency. 

The tropical variant is also another popular variant that has a dry texture. This has a mild sweet taste that gives dishes an enriched flavor. There is also a variant called Purple Yam or “ube,” which has a vibrant and creamy texture that you can use for desserts. 

Aside from the ones mentioned above, you can try plenty of other kinds. They are all guaranteed to be delicious, nutritious, and versatile. 

Whichever of these yams you prefer, they will surely last longer with the yam storage hack!

yam storage hack
  • Knife: Slice and peel the edible starchy tuber with a knife.
  • Cutting board: Prepare the vegetable on a chopping board.
  • Colander: Filter it with a colander. 
  • Freezer bags: Store the yams in freezer bags.
  • Tray: Pre-freeze the slices in a lined tray. 
  • Glass bowl: Rinse the yam in a glass bowl with water. 

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How to Use Yams

These sumptuous vegetables can make excellent ingredients for thousands of dishes! In fact, you can already consume it after boiling or frying it because that is how yummy it is. 

If you want to try out dishes, then I suggest Yam and Egg Frittata, Pounded Yam, Ojojo, Porridge, and more! I suggest cooking it with sweet potatoes, plantains, and beans for combinations. 

Storage Tips

  • At room temperature: Yams can last up to a week at room temperature. 

make ahead

  • In the fridge: Put the sliced yams in resealable bags to refrigerate for up to several weeks. 
  • To freeze: Slice and peel yams and store them in freezer bags to freeze for up to a year! 
how to steam-cook preserved yam

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you store yams for months?

There is only one way to store yams for months: freeze them! It seals in the starch to make them last longer. Out of all the storage methods I have used, this yam storage hack is the most effective one yet.

Where is the best place to store yams?

The best place to store yams is in the freezer. It keeps the yams fresh without changing much of the flavor and texture. Storing them in the fridge will also make the last for months.

What is used to store yam?

I suggest storing yams in freezer bags so you can remove as much of the air as you can. The freezer bags will also protect the texture of the yams while stored in the freezer.

Can yams be stored at room temperature?

Yes, you can store yams at room temperature. However, they will only last about five days to a week. Place them in cool and dry areas to prevent spoilage.

yam storage hack

Yam Storage Hack

5 from 1 vote
To all yam lovers out there, this is a life hack that you need to learn today! You can now have yams all year round without paying a penny!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 6
Course Vegetables
Cuisine Asia, Caribbean, Oceania, South America, West Africa

Ingredients
  

  • 1 yam

Instructions
 

Slice and peel the yam.

  • Cut the yam into slices and peel the skin.
  • Use a knife to slice the yam into large circles.
  • Then, peel the yams.
  • Slice them into your preferred shapes and sizes.
  • Rinse the yam slices in water.
  • Drain the water using a colander.

Pre-freeze.

  • Arrange the yams on a lined tray.
  • Let it freeze solid for about two hours. 

Store the yam.

  • Once frozen, transfer them into freezer bags.
  • When ready to use, prepare or cook them while frozen to preserve the quality.

Video

Notes

  • Purchase quality yams to retain their flavor and texture even after freezing.
  • Use this while in its frozen form.
  • Rinse it with salted water or drizzle it with lemon juice or vinegar to prevent browning.
  • It’s easier to peel the yam when you’ve cut it into circles.
Keyword Tuber, Vegetable, vegetable storage hack, Yam

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