What Are The Different Types Of Tubers?: Part One
Published by Efe on 11th May 2022
Do you like tubers? Potatoes? Yams? Cassava? No? Well, you will have to change your mind 'cause you're in for a treat today! In this blog post, we are going to explore all the different types of tubers. We'll talk about their origin, how they look, how they taste, their health benefits, how to cook them, dishes they can be used in, and allergies associated with them. Get your whole tubers here.
Are you ready to learn more? Let's get started!
What are Tubers?
Tubers are thickened, fleshy underground stems that can store starch. They are a type of modified plant structure and grow on almost all types of plants, including flowering plants, ferns, and mosses. Tubers are often considered vegetables since we eat them as such. However, tubers technically belong to the fruit family.
Tubers come in all shapes and sizes. They can be long and thin like a carrot or short and stubby like a potato. Some tubers, such as the cassava root, are woody while others, like the yam, are fleshy. The skin of tubers can be smooth or rough, and their colour can range from white to yellow, pink, red, blue, or purple.
Tubers are a great source of energy and are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are a good source of dietary fibre, which helps regulate digestion and promote gut health. Additionally, tubers contain resistant starch which is a type of fibre that resists digestion and acts as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in our gut.
Some tubers can be eaten raw while others need to be cooked before consumption. tubers are often boiled, roasted, mashed, or fried. They can be used as a side dish or added to soups, stews, casseroles, and curries.
Types of Tubers
There are three main types of tubers: potatoes, yams, and cassava. Let's take a closer look at each one.
Potatoes
What are Potatoes?
Potatoes are tubers that belong to the Solanaceae or nightshade family. They are the most popular type of tuber and come in over 4000 different varieties. Potatoes originated in South America and were first introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century.
Types of Potatoes
There are two main types of potatoes: waxy and starchy. Waxy potatoes have a lower starch content and are less floury than starchy potatoes. They hold their shape well when cooked and are ideal for dishes that require boiling or steaming such as salads, potato salad, soup, or stew. Common waxy potato varieties include Yukon Gold, red potatoes, and new potatoes.
Starchy potatoes have a higher starch content and are more floury than waxy potatoes. They break down easily when cooked and are ideal for dishes that require baking, frying or mashing such as French fries, hash browns, or mashed potatoes. Common starchy potato varieties include Russet, Idaho, and baking potatoes.
Health Benefits of Potatoes
Potatoes are a good source of vitamins C and B six, potassium, copper, phosphorus, and manganese. They also contain small amounts of calcium, iron, and magnesium. Additionally, potatoes are a source of antioxidants such as carotenoids and flavonoids, and phytonutrients that have been linked to various health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and protecting against cancer.
Potatoes are a healthy food choice as long as they are not fried or loaded with unhealthy toppings such as sour cream, butter, and cheese. When potatoes are boiled, roasted, or baked, they can be a part of a healthy diet.
What do Potatoes look like?
Potatoes vary in size, shape, and colour. They can be small and round or long and tubular. The skin of a potato can be smooth or rough and its flesh can be white, yellow, pink, red, blue, or purple.
What do Potatoes taste like?
The taste of a potato depends on its variety. Some potatoes are sweet while others are starchy or nutty.
Cooking Potatoes
Potatoes can be cooked in many different ways. They can be boiled, roasted, mashed, or fried. When potatoes are boiled, roasted, or baked, they can be a part of a healthy diet.
What they can be cooked and eaten with?
Potatoes can be cooked with meat, vegetables, or legumes. They can be used as a side dish or added to soups, stews, casseroles, and curries.
Where can Potatoes be bought?
Potatoes can be bought at most grocery stores. They are usually sold in bags or boxes and can be found in the produce section. They can also be gotten from online retail stores like ours. See here.
How should Potatoes be stored?
Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard. They can also be stored in the refrigerator but should be eaten within a few days.
When are Potatoes in season?
Potatoes are usually in season from late spring to early fall.
Potato Allergy
Although rare, some people may be allergic to potatoes. Symptoms of a potato allergy include hives, itchiness, swelling, difficulty breathing, and gastrointestinal upset. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating potatoes, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Yams
What are Yams?
Yams are tubers that belong to the Dioscoreaceae family. They are native to Africa, Asia, and Oceania, and have been cultivated for centuries. They are similar in appearance to sweet potatoes but are not related. Yams can grow up to four feet long and weigh over 100 pounds! Yams come in over 600 different varieties and range in size from a small potato to a large log.
Types of Yams
The two main types of yams are soft yams and hard yams. Soft yams have a lower starch content and are moister than hard yams. They are often used in soups and stews as they break down easily when cooked. Hard yams have a higher starch content and are drier than soft yams. They are often used in pies and casseroles as they hold their shape when cooked.
Health Benefits of Yams
Yams are a good source of fibre, which helps to promote regularity and prevent constipation. They are also a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and manganese, which are all essential for good health. They also contain antioxidants that have been linked to various health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and protecting against cancer.
What do Yams look like?
Yams vary in size, shape, and colour. They can be small and round or long and tubular. The skin of Yam can be smooth or rough and its flesh is mostly coloured brown, white, or purple.
What do Yams taste like?
The taste of a yam depends on its variety. Some yams are sweet while others are starchy or nutty.
Cooking Yams
Yams can be cooked in many different ways. They can be boiled, roasted, mashed, or fried. When yams are boiled, roasted, or baked, they can be a part of a healthy diet.
What they can be cooked and eaten with?
Yams can be cooked with meat, vegetables, or legumes. They can be used as a side dish or added to soups, stews, casseroles, and curries. Soft Yams are often used in soups and stews as they break down easily when cooked. Hard yams can be used in pies and casseroles as they hold their shape when cooked.
Yam and its peels can be dried and processed to make yam flour. Yams can also be cooked, and then pounded into a dough and served with soup.
Where can Yams be bought?
Yams can be bought at most grocery stores. They are usually sold in bags or boxes and can be found in the produce section. They can also be gotten from online retail stores like ours. See here.
How should Yams be stored?
Yams should be stored in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard. They can also be stored in the refrigerator but should be eaten within a few days.
When are Yams in season?
Yams are usually in season from late spring to early fall.
Yam allergies
Yam allergies are rare but can occur. Symptoms of a yam allergy include hives, itchiness, swelling, difficulty breathing, and gastrointestinal upset. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating yams, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Cassava
What is Cassava?
Cassava is a root vegetable that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is native to South America and has been cultivated for centuries. Cassava is a woody shrub that can grow up to five metres tall! The root of the plant is long and thick, and the flesh is white or yellow.
Types of Cassava
There are two main types of cassava: sweet cassava and bitter cassava. Sweet cassava has a lower cyanide content and is safe to eat. Bitter cassava has a higher cyanide content and is not safe to eat unless it is cooked properly.
Health Benefits of Cassava
Cassava is a good source of fibre, which helps to promote regularity and prevent constipation. It is also a good source of vitamins C and B, potassium, and manganese. Cassava also contains antioxidants that have been linked to various health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and protecting against cancer.
What does Cassava look like?
Cassava root is long and thick with white or yellow flesh. The leaves of the cassava plant are large and green.
What does Cassava taste like?
The taste of cassava root depends on its variety. Some cassava roots are sweet while others are bitter.
Cooking Cassava
Cassava can be cooked in many different ways. It can be boiled, roasted, mashed, or fried. When cassava is boiled, roasted, or baked, it can be a part of a healthy diet.
What can Cassava be cooked and eaten with?
Cassava can be cooked with meat, vegetables, or legumes. It can be used as a side dish or added to soups, stews, casseroles, and curries. Soft cassava is often used in soups and stews as it breaks down easily when cooked. Hard cassava can be used in pies and casseroles as it holds its shape when cooked.
Cassava and its peels can be dried and processed to make cassava flour. Cassava can also be cooked, and then pounded into a dough and served with soup.
Where can Cassava be bought?
Cassava can be bought at most grocery stores. It is usually sold in bags or boxes and can be found in the produce section. It can also be gotten from online retail stores like ours. See here.
How should Cassava be stored?
Cassava should be stored in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard. It can also be stored in the refrigerator but should be eaten within a few days.
When is Cassava in season?
Cassava is usually in season from late spring to early fall.
Cassava allergies
Allergies to cassava are rare but can occur. Symptoms of a cassava allergy include hives, itchiness, swelling, difficulty breathing, and gastrointestinal upset. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating cassava, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many different types of tubers. Each type has it unique taste, texture, and health benefits. When choosing a tuber to eat, it is important to consider what you will be using it for. Will you be cooking it? What kinds of dishes will you be making?
Once you have decided on the type of tuber you want to eat, be sure to store it properly and in a cool, dark place. Tubers can last for many weeks or even months when stored correctly. When cooking tubers, be sure to cook them thoroughly to avoid any potential health risks.
And finally, enjoy your tubers! They are a delicious and nutritious part of a healthy diet. Get your whole tubers or your tubers in flour or mashed form from the best online retail store you can find in the UK. You can also get more when you navigate through our catalogue.
If you enjoyed this, watch out for the second part!
Also Read
What Is Pounded Yam? | A Guide To Pounded Yam