Yam Species

Several species of yams are grown in different regions of China, each with its own climate and soil requirements. These include Dioscorea polystachya, also known as Chinese yam or nagaimo, which is a popular variety native to East Asia and is widely cultivated and consumed for its sweet taste. Other varieties are Dioscorea alata (Greater yam), and Dioscorea esculenta (Lesser yam). Additionally, there are species such as Dioscorea nipponica, also known as Japanese yam, and Dioscorea pentaphylla (Five-leaf yam), grown for its medicinal properties. Lastly, there is Dioscorea fordii, otherwise known as Ford’s yam.

Uses of Yam

Food and Nutrition

Yams are a staple food for millions of Chinese, providing essential nutrients and energy. Yam tubers and leaves are used as feed for pigs, chickens, and fish. The following traditional yam dishes showcase the versatility of yams in various preparations:

• Sweet Yam Soup (Yùmi?n Táng): A sweet-tasting soup made from boiled yam, sugar, and ginger. This can be served as a dessert or warm beverage.
• Braised Yam with Pork Belly (Hóngsh?o Yùmi?n): A rich and savoury braise made from yam, pork belly, soy sauce, sugar, and spices. This dish is slow-cooked to tenderize the yam and pork.
• Stir-Fried Yam and Vegetables (Yùmi?n Ch?o Cài): A quick stir-fry made from sliced yam, vegetables, and seasonings, often served as a side dish or light meal.
• Yam Cake (Yùmi?n G?o): Steamed or pan-fried cake made from mashed yam, rice flour, and sugar, often served as a snack or dessert.
• Steamed Yam (Zh?ng Yùmi?n): A simple and healthy dish made from steamed yam, often served with ginger and scallions.
• Yam Buns (Yùmi?n B?o): Soft and fluffy buns filled with mashed yam and sugar, often served as a snack or dessert.
• Yam and Sesame Rice (Yùmi?n Zh?m? Fàn): Flavourful rice dish made from yam, sesame oil, and soy sauce, often served as a side dish or light meal.

Traditional Uses

Yams have multifaceted significance in Chinese culture beyond being a food source. They are also valued for their spiritual and medicinal properties. Here are some traditional uses that highlight the conventional importance of yams in China.

Rituals: Yams play a part in traditional ceremonies like weddings and festivals, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity.

Fertility rites: Yams are believed to enhance fertility and are consumed by women to improve their chances of getting pregnant.

Ancestral worship: Yams are offered to ancestors as a sign of respect and gratitude.

Longevity: Yams are considered a food for longevity and are believed to promote a long and healthy life.

Medicine: Yams are utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to address various ailments including digestive issues, diabetes, and respiratory problems. For instance, Chinese yam is used to treat conditions such as poor appetite, chronic diarrhea, asthma, dry coughs, frequent urination, boils, and abscesses. It is also known for its effectiveness in improving blood circulation and enhancing the functions of the spleen, lung, stomach, and kidney channels. Yams are also used to treat digestive issues like constipation and diarrhea. Additionally, yam extracts are used to address skin conditions such as acne and eczema.

Economic Uses

Yam cultivation has several economic benefits for China. It supports various industries, generates revenue, and promotes rural development. The cultivation and processing of yams create employment opportunities for rural communities. China exports yams to countries like Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia, earning foreign exchange. Yam extracts are used in the production of certain medicines, contributing to the pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, yams are used to produce starch for paper, textiles, and pharmaceutical industries, contributing to industrial growth. Yam starch is also used to produce alcoholic beverages such as yam wine and liquor. Moreover, yam starch is used to produce biodegradable plastics and packaging materials, supporting sustainable industries.

Festivals

China celebrates several yam festivals that showcase the cultural significance of yams in different regions, promote local culture, and strengthen community bonds. These yam festivals are usually celebrated in late September or early October, coinciding with the autumn harvest season. However, the dates may change depending on the region or community observing the festival. Here are some notable yam festivals celebrated in China:

• Yam Festival (Yùmiàn Jié): Celebrated in Guangdong Province to honour the yam harvest season.
• Chinese Yam Festival (Zh?ngguó Yùmiàn Jié): A national festival celebrated to promote yam cultivation, processing, and consumption. This festival is celebrated in various provinces like Shandong, Yunnan, and Guangdong. It features yam exhibitions, trade fairs, cooking competitions, food events, and awards ceremonies for outstanding yam farmers and processors.
• Yam Harvest Festival (Yùmiàn Sh?uhuò Jié): Celebrated in Guangxi Province to give thanks to the gods for the yam harvest. This festival is a joyous occasion for farmers, locals, and visitors to come together and appreciate the importance of yams in Chinese culture and agriculture.
• Yam Cultural Festival (Yùmiàn Wénhuà Jié): This festival is held in the Southern Provinces like Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan to showcase yam-based cuisine, art, and performances.
• Yam Food Festival (Yùmiàn Shíp?n Jié): Celebrated in the Fujian Province, this festival aims to promote yam cultivation, celebrate the harvest season, and features yam-based dishes and local cuisine.
• Autumn Yam Festival (Qi?ti?n Yùmiàn Jié): The Autumn Yam Festival is held in Jiangxi Province to mark the autumn yam harvest season. It features yam harvesting and processing demonstrations, yam-based dishes, yam-themed games, contests, and competitions.

China’s diverse uses for yams reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage and its commitment to finding innovative and sustainable applications for this versatile crop.

REFERENCE

Information from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674638423000448 and https://www.mdpi.com/23048158/13/10/1426#:~:text=For%20thousands%20of%20years%2C%20the,functional%20food%20and%20as%20medicine was used in this story