Native to Africa, yam (Dioscorea spp.), the king of crops, is probably the most widely eaten staple in Nigeria. Amongst the Igbos, the ‘New Yam Festival’ is held annually in various towns and villages to celebrate the harvest of the new yam. 

There many varieties of yam in Nigeria – white yam, yellow yam, water yam – each suitable for various purposes. It is generally treated in the same way as potatoes: boiled; chipped and fried; pounded into fufu to be eaten with Nigerian soups; or roasted in its skin in hot coals. 

One word of warning, some people find it irritates their skin. Therefore, you may wish to wear gloves when peeling raw yams or just try not to let your arms get in contact with the yam.

Yam For Sale, Abuja. Look for firm unblemished tubers and store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.