What is Chinese yam (source, characteristics and uses)

Yam, also known as Dioscorea opposita and Dioscorea opposita, is a common tuber plant in Araceae. Growing in a warm and humid environment, mainly distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other places. Yam has a long cylindrical appearance, brown or light brown surface, tough texture, white interior and delicate texture. Yam is known as "underground ginseng" because of its smooth taste, sweet taste and rich nutrition.

Characteristics of Chinese yam

Yam has many characteristics and is one of people's favorite ingredients. First of all, yam is rich in protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, especially protein, which is an ideal source of plant protein. Secondly, yam is rich in dietary fiber, which helps to promote intestinal peristalsis and prevent digestive system diseases such as constipation and hemorrhoids. In addition, yam also contains a variety of active substances, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects and help improve human immunity. Finally, yam has the effects of nourishing yin and kidney, benefiting qi and nourishing blood, strengthening spleen and nourishing stomach, and is widely used in the field of traditional Chinese medicine.

The use of yam

Yam is widely used in the fields of food and medicine. In terms of food, yam can be made into various delicacies, such as yam porridge, yam cake and yam soup. The viscosity and stickiness of yam make it a good helper in cooking, which can be used to increase the consistency and taste of food. In addition, yam can also be used to make pasta, cakes, sweets and so on. Increase the nutritional value and taste of food. In medicine, yam is widely used in the field of traditional Chinese medicine, and is often used to treat spleen and stomach weakness, cough due to lung deficiency, enuresis due to kidney deficiency, etc. Yam can also be used for beauty and skin care. Common products such as yam mask and yam syrup are very popular in the market.

Operation steps of yam

The operation steps of yam are relatively simple. Here are the specific steps for making yam porridge:

1. Preparation materials: yam, glutinous rice, water, red dates and honey.

2. Peel the yam and cut it into small pieces.

3. Wash the glutinous rice and soak it for 30 minutes.

4. Put yam and glutinous rice into the rice cooker and add appropriate amount of water.

5. Press the cooking button and start cooking yam porridge.

6. In the cooking process, you can add some red dates to increase the taste and nutrition.

7. Add some honey to taste after cooking.

final result

To sum up, yam is a kind of tuber plant growing in warm and humid environment, which has rich nutritional value and medicinal value. It can not only be used as ingredients to make various foods, but also be used for drug therapy and beauty and skin care. From the point of view of nutrition and medicine, yam is a very beneficial ingredient. In our daily life, we can choose our own yam making method according to our own preferences and needs, and enjoy the delicious and healthy food it brings.