Yams are an important food crop in Brazil, with many different uses. Historical accounts indicate that African slaves introduced yams to Brazil, bringing their knowledge of yam cultivation and consumption with them. Yams spread to various regions in Brazil, becoming an integral part of local cuisine and agriculture. Yams are typically planted during the rainy season from September to November and harvested in the dry season from March to May. While many Brazilian farmers still use traditional farming practices, there is a growing trend towards mechanization and the use of technology in yam cultivation.
Yam-producing Areas
Brazil is a significant producer of yams, with several regions cultivating this crop. Some of the main yam-producing areas in Brazil include:
Northeast Region: Paraiba, Pernambuco, Alagoas, Bahia, and Piaui.
South Region: Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.
Southeast Region: Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais.
North Region: Amazonas, Pará, and Tocantins.
Yam Species
Brazilian farmers cultivate various types of yams to ensure a consistent supply throughout the year. These include Dioscorea rotundata (White yam), Dioscorea bulbifera (Aerial yam), and Dioscorea alata, also known as Purple yam. The Purple yam gets its name from its intensely purple skin and speckled purple pulp. It contains antioxidants that can help prevent cell aging. Other yam species grown in Brazil include Dioscorea cayenensis (Yellow yam), Dioscorea esculenta (Asiatic yam), and Dioscorea trifida (Cush-cush yam).
Uses of Yam
Food and Nutrition
Yams are a staple food for many Brazilians, especially in the Northeast. Yam tubers and leaves are used as feed for pigs, chickens, and cattle. The following traditional dishes showcase the versatility of yams in Brazilian cuisine:
Economic Uses
In Brazil, yams have several economic uses. Firstly, yam cultivation provides income and employment opportunities for rural communities. Yams are sold in local markets, thereby providing income for farmers and traders. Brazil also exports yams to other countries, generating foreign exchange revenue. Additionally, yams are used in traditional medicine and have the potential for pharmaceutical applications. Yam starch is used in industrial applications such as paper production, textile manufacturing, and construction materials. Furthermore, yam starch and flour are used in skincare and haircare products. Finally, yam starch can be converted into ethanol, offering a biofuel alternative.
Traditional Uses
In Brazil, yams are deeply ingrained in cultural traditions, particularly in the Northeast Region. Here are some cultural uses of yams that go beyond being a food source, symbolizing a connection to tradition, community, and heritage:
Yam Festivals
Brazil hosts several yam festivals to showcase the importance of yams in Brazilian culture, cuisine, and agriculture. These festivals often incorporate indigenous Brazilian, African, and European influences.
Yam production in Brazil is a significant industry. The country is one of the largest producers of yams in the Americas, and the crop is vital to the country's cuisine, culture, and economy.
REFERENCE
Information from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262447556_Yam_A_neglected_and_underutilized_crop_in_Brazil, https://www.scielo.br/j/bjb/a/8BtPrFksncnCk5xpmB5XQYk/ and https://www.brasilagosto.org/en/purple-yam/ was used in this story