Lixian yam (Lixian ma shan yao)

Lixian Ma Shan Yao are yam tubers, dried yam strips and chips of the "Dioscorea batatas Decne" species, produced in the Li County region, Hebei Province in China. Yams are cultivated in a traditional manner and techniques, where the sandy and loamy soil favourably influence the growing process.

Dried yam strips are made from fresh yams that are peeled, sliced and then air-dried or dehydrated in a special dryer, developing a crisp taste and a uniform size. Fresh yams come in three varieties - Bangyao, Ziyao and Xiaobaizui, variable in length and taste.

Bangyao has a mildly sweet, flavourful and lingering taste after cooking while Xiaobaizui and Ziyao are sweeter in taste with a soft, fibrous flesh.