Yam is sweet and neutral in nature. It enters the spleen, lung, and kidney meridians and has the effects of invigorating the spleen and appetizing, nourishing qi and nourishing yin, stopping diarrhea and astringing essence. It is mainly used for treating symptoms such as spleen deficiency and diarrhea, chronic fatigue and cough, polydipsia and nocturnal emission, and frequent urination. Yam is a variety that can be used as both medicine and food. There are also some counterfeit yams on the market. The following are common methods for identifying genuine and fake yams:
Identification of genuine yam:
The surface is yellowish-white or pale yellow, with longitudinal grooves, wrinkles, and root marks. There may be some residual light brown skin. It is heavy and firm, not easily broken. The cross-section is white and powdery, with small protrusions. It has a slight odor, a mild taste, and becomes sticky when chewed.
Counterfeit 1: Cassava
It is often sliced, with the outer skin mostly removed. The remaining skin is brown or brownish-brown, and the cut surface is white and powdery. The obvious vascular ring pattern can be seen near the skin, and there is a small wooden core in the center. Some may have visible cracks and feel like slippery stone powder. It has a slight odor and a mild taste.
Counterfeit 2: Sweet Potato
It is round or irregularly shaped, with thick and light red or gray-brown skin remaining. The cut surface is white or pale yellowish-white, slightly elastic, with light yellow-brown "vascular" spots or lines, and a light yellow-brown ring pattern can be seen near the skin. It is crisp in texture, powdery, and has a sweet taste.
Counterfeit 3: Dioscorea polystachya
It is irregularly cylindrical or conical, with thick remaining corky skin, yellow-brown or reddish-brown, and fresh yellow color (stone cells). It is relatively easy to peel off. It is solid in texture, with a pale yellow-white cross-section, powdery, and a few light brown dot-like substances. It has no odor, a sweet taste, and becomes sticky when chewed.
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Identifying Genuine and Fake Yams: Tips for Spotting Counterfeit Varieties
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