There are many delicacies that can be tasted in La Gomera, and there are many typical Canary Island products that you can discover if you come to visit our island. Almogrote, guarapo, La Gomera wines, Canary Islands banana, etc. today we will add one more product to this list, yam, that you must absolutely try on your trip to La Gomera.
History of yam
Yam is a tuber of North African origin that is believed to have been brought to the Canary Islands by travellers. In Africa and Asia, the cultivation of this product typical of the Canary Islands dates back 8,000 years, and in tropical America yam has been cultivated by indigenous peoples since pre-Columbian times.
In the Canary Islands, the plant with scientific name "Colocasia esculenta” is known as yam (ñame), whose fruit is a tuber similar to a potato that has a number of health benefits for consumers.
What vitamins and benefits does yam have?
It is a food that is rich in carbohydrates, proteins and vitamin C that is usually found in Canary Island dishes, usually boiled, roasted or mashed.
Specifically, yam has a low glycaemic index because it provides complex carbohydrates and dietary fibre, despite having a high starch content. In addition to vitamin C, it also provides vitamin A and group B vitamins, in addition to minerals such as potassium, manganese, copper, calcium, iron and phosphorus.
There are many ailments and illnesses that can be alleviated by consuming yam, such as, for example, cardiovascular diseases. In addition, its fibre contents helps prevent constipation, and allantoin stimulates cell proliferation which can be useful to apply topically on ulcers or other skin diseases.
How do you eat yam?
The yam’s rind is hard and irregular, and difficult to peel. Yam is usually cooked fried, boiled, baked or steamed. It can be served in purée or you can add chunks of yam to soups and creams, or as a side dish to grilled meats or as a main ingredient to make desserts.
Canary Island recipes with yam
It is said that there are as many recipes with yam as there are homes on the islands, but perhaps one of the most common ways to use is with mojo as a side dish to other main dishes such as fish, yam as a vegetable in stews or also as an appetiser or dessert chopped and sprinkled with sugar, cinnamon or with palm honey.
If you visit La Gomera, it is very likely that you will find yam in some of the typical dishes that you taste of the Canary Island gastronomy, so do not hesitate to try it.
So, if, once you have tried it, you wish to put your culinary skills into practice with this tuber, here is a quick and easy recipe by Juan Mari Arzak for this coming Christmas. With this recipe you will surprise your guests right from the appetisers:
Fried yam with oysters and avocado cream.
Ingredients:
- 250 g yam
- Olive oil
- Water
- Salt
- 12 oysters
- 1 avocado
- 1 spring onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 lemon juice
- 1 small tomato
- Cilantro
- Chives
- Pepper
Preparation:
- Cut the yam into very thin slices. Once they are cut, blanch them in boiling salted water. Drain them well and then fry them over a low heat until they become crispy.
- Remove the oyster meat from the shells and set aside.
- Peel the avocado, remove the stone, and mash the flesh with a fork, adding crushed onion and peeled, seeded and finely chopped tomato. Also add the rest of ingredients.
- Place the avocado cream and oysters on top of the yam slices and... Ready to eat!
The Canary Islands’ gastronomy has many charms. Are you ready to come and discover this and much more?