Yams, grown on twining vines, come in various sizes, shapes, skin colors and textures, with thick skins, which are often smooth or hairy. They’re typically cooked before eating to remove toxins, altering their texture to soft, crumbly, fibrous or waxy. Usually, yams have a mild flavor, ranging from sweet to nutty or meaty.
To prepare yams, you can simply wash them thoroughly, then boil, steam or roast them with your KitchenAid range, until they are tender.