Chinese Yam (Dioscorea batatas)

Family: Dioscoreaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (5/5)

Dioscorea batatas Decne. is a synonym of Dioscorea polystachya Turcz. Can be invasive if left unchecked. It invades open to shady areas in the Eastern United States and likely similar climate zones. A temperate or subtropical plant. It grows in forest and is cultivated from 100 - 2500 m in central and north China.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant flavour that is rather like a potato. — A floury texture with a very pleasant flavour that is rather like a potato.; The tubers can be boiled, baked, fried, mashed, grated and added to soups.; They store well and for a long time and can also be left in the ground and harvested as required in the winter.; This is a top quality root crop, very suitable for use as a staple food.

Habitat & North American Range

Found in an apparently wild situation in valleys and on the slopes of hills in China. Prefers sunny slopes in the wild. (Zone 4)