Ingredient Name:  Fresh Chinese Yam, Nagaimo, Yamaimo, Japanese Mountain Yam,  Korean Yam, Dioscorea Opposita

• A type of yam that can be consumed raw
• It is a common food found in Japanese, Chinese and Korean cuisines
• For the Japanese, they grate the Nagaimo into a pulp and serve it with various dishes, such as udon and soba
• The tuber is often used dried in Chinese medicine and in soups

How do I prepare it?

• If using fresh Chinese yam, wash and peel the skin
• Cut into cubes or slices for soup and cooking

Where can I buy this?

You can purchase fresh Chinese yam in most Asian supermarkets

What is the cost?

• Chinese yam costs around $1.50 CAD for 2 medium sized roots

Any benefits?

• It is often used in combination with meats and other Chinese herbs to help digestion and regular sugar levels
• Traditionally it is used to relieve stomach pains and diarrhea
• When boiled with chicken and a variety of other Chinese herbs, it is an ideal confinement soup as it helps control inflammation of the uterus

Any precautions?

• Excess consumption is known to cause frequent urination and perspiration

Additional Information?

• Fresh Chinese yams store relatively well and can keep in the fridge for up to a week

Resources

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dioscorea_opposita