Yam, also known as Huaishan, sweet potato, tribute potato, is one of the important therapeutic plants in China. It has the effect of nourishing the stomach, nourishing the kidneys and nourishing the blood, and nourishing the middle and qi, so it is loved by people. However, the quality of yams on the market is uneven, and choosing a good yam has become a rigid demand. Today, as an experienced Chinese medicine practitioner, I will introduce you to four tips and methods for selecting yams, hoping to help you choose high-quality yams.
First of all, we need to pay attention to the appearance characteristics of the yam. Good yams usually present a smooth crust with no visible breakages or scratches. Its color should be jet-black and shiny, not whitish or greenish. At the same time, we should also pay attention to the shape of the yam, and the high-quality yam should be neat and plump, without obvious deformities.
Second, focus on the texture of the yam. We can gently pinch the yam with our hands, and a good yam should have a certain elasticity, not too hard and not too soft. If the yam is too hard, it is likely to have been harvested too early; And if the yam is too soft, it is likely to be overripe or of poor quality. In addition, yams with a uniform texture are more reliable, avoid choosing yams with hollow or fluffy parts.
Third, smelling the smell of yam is also an important selection method. A good yam should give off a unique aroma with a sweet taste. If the yam gives off a pungent or moldy smell, it means that there is a problem with its quality. In addition, a good yam will also have a faint earthy taste, and it is this taste that can reflect the purity and authenticity of the yam.
Finally, we also need to pay attention to the weight of the yam. A good yam is generally relatively heavy because it has a high water content and is rich in nutrients. Therefore, when picking yams, multiple yams can be compared and the heavier one can be chosen.
To sum up, choosing a high-quality yam requires attention to its appearance characteristics, texture, smell, and weight. Through these four tips and methods, I believe you can better choose a good yam that is nourishing and healthy. As an important ingredient in TCM dietary therapy, yam can be made into a variety of delicious dishes and medicinal diets, which have a positive impact on human health.
Health References:
1.Zhang Xin, Li Wei, Wang Wu. Therapeutic health effects of yam[J].Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2018, 12(3): 100-110