Ye shanyao

Native to China, yamaimo or Chinese yam is a climbing plant that bears edible tuberous roots with hard white flesh that is encased in a thin, light brown or yellowish outer skin. The tuberous roots are similar in flavor to potatoes or water chestnuts and are widely used as traditional medicine and an ingredient in Asian cuisine.

Raw or cooked, Chinese yam is typically consumed on its own, added to soups, stews, and many other dishes for extra flavor and texture. This plant is cultivated throughout East Asia, including Japan, Korea, Kuril Islands, and Vietnam, and may vary in shape and color.

Chinese yam can be found fresh, dried, or in powder form in almost any Asian food store, pharmacy, and health food store. It is also known as huai shan in China, khoai mai in Vietnam, seyeo in Korea, and nagaimo in Japan.