I yam what I yam

I love yams, or at least I think so. More likely sweet potatoes are my fave source of vitamin A, as well as complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber and vitamins C and B6 – one of the healthiest vegetables around. Linn County Master Gardener, Claire Smith, sets us straight on the difference between the two and what many of us will be eating this Thanksgiving:

Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's –or another friend or relative's- house we go…………..  Will Yams or Sweet Potatoes be served at Thanksgiving this year?  Did you know that Sweet Potatoes and Yams aren't related?  Sweet Potatoes, native to Central and South American are part of the Morning Glory family. True Yams are native to Asia and Africa. Yams are long, cylindrical, underground tubers with a rough, scaly skin. Preferring a tropical climate, tubers can be several feet long and weigh 50 pounds or more!   A dark skinned Sweet Potato is the preferred variety and is often confused with the Yam.  Storage roots of Sweet Potatoes are short and blocky with tapered ends and a smooth thin skin.   Both Yams and Sweet Potatoes have been cultivated in the United States since the 16

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century but the Sweet Potato is more widely grown and popular.  North Carolina produces nearly 40% of the US crop.

Practically a staple at Thanksgiving, the Sweet Potato is an excellent source of Vitamin A and good source of potassium, vitamin C and others. The flavor of the Sweet Potato might be altered if kept in the refrigerator.  They should last two weeks or more if stored in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place.  At a temperature above 60', they will sprout and become woody.  Once cooked, sweet potatoes can be stored for a week in the refrigerator.  They are a very versatile food, used in a variety of dishes like baked desserts, quick breads, puddings, custards, casseroles, stews and even the crock pot.  Couple them with cinnamon, lime, ginger, coconut and nutmeg to create a savory or sweet dish welcome at any family gathering. 

In answer to  a question about protecting Hosta over the winter,  if the plants have been in the ground over a year, they should not need protection.  A mulch is often beneficial to Hosta planted in late summer or fall.  Apply several inches of weed-free straw, pine needles, or other mulch in mid-November to provide an adequate winter blanket.

Another query asked if a compost pile will produce objectionable odors.  Properly prepared and maintained compost piles will generate little odor.  Unpleasant odors may arise if the pile contains excessive amounts of wet plant materials such as fruit or grass clippings.  When constructing the compost pile, mix wet plant materials with dry plant debris.  Composting material should feel damp like a wrung-out sponge, but not wet.  Turn the compost pile at least once or twice a month. 

Master Gardeners will answer your gardening questions on the Hort Line from 10:00-12:00 at 319-447-0647 Monday through Friday.