Chinese Yam: The Nutritious Medicinal Root

Nutritional Benefits Growing Process Traditional Recipes

Nutritional Value of Chinese Yam

Fresh Chinese Yam

Nutritional Value (per 100g)

  • Calories: 118 kcal - energy sustaining
  • Carbohydrates: 27.9g - complex carbs for steady energy
  • Dietary Fiber: 4.1g - supports digestion
  • Protein: 1.5g - contains essential amino acids
  • Vitamin C: 5mg - antioxidant support
  • Potassium: 816mg - important for fluid balance

Health Benefits

  • 🌿 Rich in mucilage that soothes digestive tract
  • 🩺 Used in TCM to strengthen spleen and stomach
  • 🩸 May help regulate blood sugar levels
  • 🛡 Contains antioxidants that boost immunity
  • 💪 Provides sustained energy without blood sugar spikes

Tip: To prevent skin irritation when peeling, wear gloves or rub hands with vinegar. Soak cut yam in water with lemon juice to prevent browning.

How Chinese Yam Is Cultivated

1

Variety Selection & Land Prep

  • Common varieties: Huai Shan Yao, Tiegun Yam
  • Requires deep, loose, well-drained soil
  • Prefers warm climate with moderate rainfall
2

Planting

  • Planted in spring after last frost
  • Uses tuber segments or bulbils for propagation
  • Plant 10-15cm deep with 30cm spacing
3

Growth & Care

  • Requires trellis support for vines to climb
  • Regular watering but avoid waterlogging
  • Organic fertilizer application during growth
4

Pest Management

  • Watch for leaf beetles and root-knot nematodes
  • Use organic pest control methods
  • Crop rotation helps prevent disease
5

Harvesting

  • Ready in autumn after leaves yellow (6-8 months)
  • Carefully dig to avoid damaging tubers
  • Can leave in ground until needed in mild climates

Note: Chinese yam can grow very deep (up to 1 meter) so harvesting requires care.

Summary: Choose variety → Prepare land → Plant → Support growth → Protect from pests → Harvest carefully!

Chinese Yam Farming

See traditional methods of cultivating and harvesting Chinese yam in rural China

Yam Recipe Tutorials

Learn to make nourishing yam dishes with these authentic recipes

Yam Chicken Soup
Stir-fried Yam
Yam Dessert
Steamed Yam