What are yams most similar to?

Yams are botanically classified as tuberous roots and are most similar to yucca. Both yams and yucca are root vegetables that grow underground and share a starchy texture, making them comparable in terms of culinary uses. They can sometimes be substituted for each other in recipes due to their similar consistencies when cooked.

While yams can be confused with potatoes, they belong to different plant families, and their flavors and nutritional profiles differ quite a bit. Similarly, turnips and arrowroot have distinct characteristics and culinary applications that set them apart from yams. In contrast, the historical usage and preparation methods of yams and yucca highlight their similarities, establishing yucca as the most appropriate comparison among the choices.