Garnet Yams

Estimated Inventory, 40 lbs : 11.31
This item was last sold on : 07/08/25

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Description/Taste

Garnet yams are medium to large in size and are slender, ovate, and cylindrical in shape, tapering at the ends. The rough skin is a dusty brown-maroon with some brown spots scattered across the surface. The flesh is orange-gold and is firm, dense, and moist. When cooked, Garnet yams are starchy and moister than other yam varieties, and its flavor is sweet with a savory earthiness. In addition to the tubers, the leaves of the Garnet yam plant are edible as well, offering both nutrients and a flavor similar to that of spinach.

Seasons/Availability

Garnet yams are available year-round, with peak season in the fall through winter.

Current Facts

Garnet yams, botanically classified as Ipomoea batatas, are a root vegetable of the Convolvulaceae or morning glory family. It is not a true yam, but rather a sweet potato that lost its identity to an American labeling system that forced the naming of yellow-orange fleshed sweet potatoes to include yam in their identification. Today the USDA requires that all yams also be labeled as sweet potatoes when sold. Garnet yams earned their name from the color of their skin, and the opulent maroon skin tone is similar in color to a garnet stone.

Nutritional Value

Garnet yams are an excellent source of dietary fiber and offer a healthy dose of vitamin C, B6, iron, copper, and potassium.

Applications

Garnet yams are best suited for cooked applications such as baking, roasting, frying, steaming, mashing, and pureeing. The high sugar and starch content of Garnet yams makes them suitable for a wide range of both sweet and savory applications. They can be roasted or baked whole and served as is or with complimentary ingredients such as cinnamon, cilantro, red bell pepper, cumin, chili pepper, feta cheese, Greek yogurt, and poultry. Garnet yams can be steamed and then mashed or pureed and used to make sauces, gnocchi, soups, and curries. They can also be used as a filling for both sweet and savory pies and empanadas. Slice into rounds or sticks and bake or fry to make French fries. Add cubed and roasted or sautéed Garnet yam to breakfast hash, curry, risotto, pasta, or atop pizza. Complimentary flavors include sage, thyme, lime, persimmon, onion, chipotle chili, black beans, pecans, honey, maple syrup, parmesan cheese, and bacon. Refrigeration should be avoided when storing Garnet yams as it will cause them to spoil faster. Garnet yams will keep up to four weeks when stored in a cool and dry location away from direct sunlight and heat.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

The Garnet yam was mislabeled in the mid-20th century when orange-fleshed sweet potatoes were first introduced to the market. The original sweet potato cultivated in the United States was the dry, white-fleshed type. To avoid confusion, the orange-fleshed sweet potatoes were marketed as yams to distinguish them from the white-fleshed variety Americans had come to associate with the name sweet potato. Real yams are native to the Caribbean and are difficult to find in the United States. The Garnet variety is one of the most common sweet potatoes cultivated for American markets. Along with the beauregard and jewel yams, these three varieties account for about ninety percent of the sweet potatoes produced in the United States.

Geography/History

What we refer to as yams in the United States are actually sweet potatoes which are native to the western tropical hemisphere. Garnet yams were discovered in the United States roughly in the mid-20th century. Today they can be found in farmers markets and grocers across the United States, but care must be taken because similar varieties are often labeled as Garnet yams and look similar.

Featured Restaurants

Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.

Sabor a Vida Café & Deli Carlsbad	Carlsbad CA	760-579-3629
Miho	San Diego CA	619-365-5655
C 2 C	San Diego CA	619-972-9345
Blue Ocean Sushi & Grill (UTC)	San Diego CA	858-886-9909
Parkhouse Eatery	San Diego CA	619 295 7275
The Guild Hotel	San Diego CA	619-764-5108
Chef Jenn	Solana Beach CA	858-212-9054
Chef Lance Roll	Vista CA	760-685-2433
Portside Pier (Ketch Tasting Deck)	San Diego CA	858-268-1030
Lucky Bolt	San Diego CA	662-832-3638
Love Boat Sushi-Oceanside	Oceanside CA	760-721-3737
Miguel's Cocina Carlsbad	Carlsbad CA	760-759-1843
Dot Cafe	San Diego CA	914-263-1424
Belmont Park Cannonball	San Diego CA	858-228-9283
Fifty Two Remedies	San Diego San Diego	858-707-7016
The Crack Shack Costa Mesa	Costa Mesa CA	951-808-7790
Hane	San Diego CA	619-339-6438
Pamplemousse Grill	Solana Beach CA	858-792-9090
Miguel's Cocina Coronado	Coronado CA	619-437-4237
Il Giardino di Lilli	La Jolla CA	619-467-9897

the other 89...

Coya Peruvian Secret	Del Mar CA	619-295-3172
Harney Sushi	San Diego CA	619-295-3272
Inn at Rancho Santa Fe	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-381-8289
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-761-1269
Ranch Catering	San Diego CA	858-491-9100
Cocina de Barrio Point Loma	San Diego CA	858-349-2313
Red Tail Catering	San Marcos CA	858-605-8219
Dot to Dot Academy	San Diego CA	858-485-1978
Lumi	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Wrench and Rodent	Oceanside CA	760-840-1976
Asti Ristorante	San Diego CA	619-232-8844
Great Maple Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-255-2282
Olive Tree Marketplace	San Diego CA	619-224-0443
Local Tap House & Kitchen	Oceanside CA	760-547-1469
The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining	San Diego CA	858-759-3150
Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-756-1582
Fox Point Farms	Encinitas CA	619-892-0553
Cal A Vie	Vista CA	760-945-2055
Fort Oak	San Diego CA	619-795-6901
Kona Kai Resort and Marina	San Diego CA	619-221-8000
Plant Based Meals	San Diego CA	858-255-0590
The Farm Golf Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-756-5585
Cocina de Barrio NP	San Diego CA	858-349-2313
Miguel's 4S Ranch	San Diego CA	858-924-9200
Sabor a Vida Café & Deli	Vista CA	760-536-3331
Slowly	San Diego CA	858-352-6080
Polaris Supreme	San Diego CA	619-390-7890
Food by Chef Ty	Vista CA	424-278-8626
Isola La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-412-5566
Artifact at Mingei	San Diego CA	619-846-2164
Beach Plum Kitchen	Carlsbad CA	760-688-8682
Solare Ristorante Lounge	San Diego CA	619-270-9670
Miguel's Cocina Pt Loma	San Diego CA	619-224-2401
Farm Fresh Meals	Vista CA	760-707-2383
Flora Cafe	Bonita CA	619-339-6604
Miguel's Old Town	San Diego CA	619-298-9840
Encontro North Park	San Diego CA	310-955-6333
The Santaluz Club Inc - Banquet	San Diego CA	858-759-3150
Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet)	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-381-8289
Wine Vault & Bistro	San Diego CA	619-295-3939
Blue Ocean	Carlsbad CA	760-434-4959
Manchester Grand Hyatt Seaview	San Diego CA	619-232-1234
Reata Glen	Ladera Ranch CA	949-545-2250
Chateau La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-459-4451
InterContinental Banquet Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-501-9400
Gravity Heights Mission Valley	San Diego CA	619-384-5993
The Harvest Honey	San Marcos CA	616-914-0124
Harvest Kitchen	Vista CA	619-709-0938
Pacific Regent La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-597-8008
BFD-Big Front Door	San Diego CA	619-723-8183
Shoreside Support Boat	San Diego CA	704-277-7929
The Flavor Chef (Catering)	Vista CA	619-295-3172
Donation 3	San Diego	619-295-3172
The Plot	Oceanside CA	422-266-8200
Louisiana Purchase	San Diego CA	619-255-8278
UCSD Health East campus	San Diego CA	619-578-3373
Searcher Sportfishing	San Diego CA	619-861-4640
Tartine	Coronado CA	619-435-4323
La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen	Carlsbad CA	760-930-7063
Estancia Adobe	San Diego CA	858-550-1000
Top of the Market	San Diego CA	619-234-4867
Sushi Ota 2021	San Diego CA	858-270-5047
Kairoa Brewing Company	San Diego CA	858-735-0051
Royal Polaris Sportfishing	San Diego CA	619-226-8030
Saiko Sushi-Coronado	Coronado CA	619-435-0868
Hilton Garden Inn	San Diego CA	858-720-9500
Thai One On	Carlsbad CA	760-500-8674
Bayside Landing	San Diego CA	858-270-9200
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-501-9400
Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20)	Carlsbad CA	760-827-2400
Coral Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-449-6679
Living Coast Discovery Center	Chula Vista CA	619-409-5900
Barbarella La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-454-7373
Lauberge Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-259-1515
Sovereign Thai Cuisine	San Diego CA	619-887-2000
La Dona	San Diego CA	858-352-8134
insideOUT	San Diego CA	619-888-8623
Harney Poway Sushi	Poway CA	760-533-0051
Sycuan Casino	El Cajon CA	619-445-6002
University Club	San Diego CA	619-234-5200
The Glen at Scripps Ranch	San Diego CA	858-444-8500
Institutes of Health LLC	San Diego CA	800-270-5016
Deeply Nourished	La Jolla CA	808-489-7366
Garbatella Osteria Bar	Chula Vista CA	619-651-1185
Ridgeview Health Center	San Diego CA	858-293-3950
Portside Pier (Miguels)	San Diego CA	858-268-1030
Toast Catering	San Diego CA	619-795-9135
Carte Hotel	San Diego CA	619-365-1858
Cocina de Barrio Encinitas	Encinitas CA	760-840-1129

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Garnet Yams. One

is easiest, three is harder.

The Foodie Physician		Sweet Potato Caprese Sliders
Healthy Happy Life		Baked Vegan Sweet Potatoes with Maple, Cinnamon, & Citrus
Running In A Skirt		Mom's Famous Sweet Potato Casserole
Grits and Pinecones		Healthy Roasted Sweet Potato Stacks
Oh My Veggies		Thai Sweet Potato Nachos
Fooduzzi		Sweet Potato Pancakes with Peanut Butter Maple Syrup
A Few Shortcuts		Apple & Sweet Potato Mash Topper
Taste and Tell		Sweet Potato Tots with Creamy Ketchup
Nom Nom Paleo		Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Feel Good Foodie		Sweet Potato Waffles

the other 89...

Eating Rules		Roasted Garnet Yam and Bacon Frittata
Carlsbad Cravings		Herb Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Bacon and Gruyere
Radiate Food Vibes		Vegetarian Sweet Potato Nachos with Cheddar-Jalapeño Sauce
The Pretty Bee		Roasted Sweet Potato and Bean Quesadillas
Delish Knowledge		Sweet Potato Hummus Quesadilla
Half Baked Harvest		Maple Cream Sweet Potato Soup with Cheddar Cinnamon Sugar Twist
The Healthy Maven		Mushroom Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers
Primavera Kitchen		Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Celebrating Sweets		Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow & Pecan Streusel
Cilantro & Citronella		Vegan Sushi Bowls with Yam Tempura
Running In A Skirt		Crock Pot Lentil Sweet Potato Soup
Eat Yourself Skinny		Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash
Kitchen Sanctuary		Cheesy Roasted Vegetable Soup
Scaling Back		Smoky Vegan Sweet Potato Quesadilla
Simple Roots Wellness		Sweet Potato Gnocci
Happy Healthy Mama		Sweet Potato Butter
Delicious Meets Healthy		Sweet Potato Hash with Sausage and Eggs
Averie Cooks		Cinnamon and Spice Sweet Potato Bread
Eat The Gains		Whole30 Breakfast Salad with Poached Eggs
Turnip the Oven		Lemon Meringue Sweet Potatoes
The Magical Slow Cooker		Slow Cooker Sweet Poatoes, Green Beans, and Bacon
Euphoric Vegan		Sweet Potato Gnocchi
The Real Food Dietitians		Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili
Courntey Sweets		Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burrito
Pinch of Yum		Sweet Potato Gnocchi w/ Broccoli Rabe & Sage Garlic Butter Sauce
Sage Trifle		Old Fashioned Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Lazy Cat Kitchen		Onigirazu Sushi Sandwich
Just a Little Bit of Bacon		Bourbon Sweet Potato Pie
Vanilla and Bean		Black Eyed Pea Sweet Potato Cornbread Pot Pie
The Pretty Bee		Roasted Sweet Potato and Bean Quesadillas
Delish Knowledge		Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Minimalist Baker		Immune Booster Orange Smoothie
Miss Allie's Kitchen		Sweet Potato Pasta Bake
Minimalist Baker		Vegan Thanksgiving Wraps
Emily Kyle Nutrition		Sweet Ginger & Coconut Chia Seed Pudding
Wife Mama Foodie		Roasted Chickpea & Sweet Potato Tacos
Sweet As Honey		Sweet Potato Tots
Lazy Cat Kitchen		Miso Glazed Sweet Potato Sushi
Happy Healthy Mama		Cold Busting Soup
Baby Foode		Sweet Potato Waffles
Divas Can Cook		Southern Baked Candied Yams
Ambitious Kitchen		Healthy Chocolate Chip Sweet Potato Muffins
Passion for Savings		Caramelized Sweet Potatoes
Wife Mama Foodie		Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Toasted Marshmallow Meringue
Farmgirl Gourmet		Goat Cheese Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust
Domestic Gothess		Vegetarian Cottage Pie With Garlic Butter Sweet Potato Mash
Paleo Gluten Free Eats		Skinny Fruitless Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie
Joy of Kosher		Creamy Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Cardamom and Quince Jelly
Mama Mandy		Sweet Potato Souffle
Tornadough Allie		Sweet Potato Bourbon Mini Bundt Cakes
Lemons & Anchovies		Yam and Apple Casserole with Citrus Sauce
Eat Well 101		Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
My Natural Family		Sweet Potato Brownies
Roti & Rice		Sweet Potato Balls
The Produce Mom		Sweet Potato Toast
Connoisseurus Veg		Sweet Potato Sushi
The Lean Green Bean		Almond & Sweet Potato Flatbreads
The Healthy Maven		Sweet Potato Egg Boats with Avocado Crema and Bacon
Simply Quinoa		Crockpot Sweet Potato & Black Bean Quinoa Chili
My Fussy Eater		Sweet Potato Frittata Slices
The Endless Meal		Chickpea and Yam Chili
Averie Cooks		Cheese, Black Beans, and Corn Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Avocado Crema
Savory Lotus		Spiced Sweet Potato Apple Fruit Leather
The Honour System		Roasted Vegetable Frittata
Whole and Heavenly Oven		Cream of Sweet Potato Apple Soup
The Real Food Dietitians		Grain-free Sweet Potato Brownies
Kitchen Sanctuary		Hidden Veggie Tomato Soup
Little Bits Of		Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potat-"oats"
Ambitious Kitchen		Pesto Turkey Burger Sliders on Sweet Potato Buns
Oat and Sesame		Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Peanut Sauce
40 Aprons		Whole30 Breakfast Sandwiches
The Lean Green Bean		Guacamole Waffle Bits
Chocolate Covered Katie		Crispy Bake Sweet Potato Chips
Living Sweet Moments		Crunchy Baked Sweet Potato Chips
Bunny's Warm Oven		Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake
Keepin' it Kind		Pomegranate Orange Sweet Potato Bake
The Gracious Pantry		Clean Eating Sweet Potato Butter
Cincy Shopper		Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
Pip & Ebby		Healthy Burgers with Sweet Potato Buns
Running In A Skirt		Harvest Farro with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Wallflower Kitchen		Smokey Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers
Cookin' Canuck		Sweet Potato Bison Shepherd's Pie
Girl and the Kitchen		Vegan Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Chew Out Loud		Sweet Potato Cornbread
Happy Healthy Mama		Baked Eggs and Spinach in Sweet Potato Boats
Half Baked Harvest		Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole with Sweet 'n' Savory Bacon Pecans
The Foodie Physician		Sweet Potato Pancakes
Earthy Feast		Sweet Potato Sushi with Finger Limes
The Endless Meal		Detox Sweet Potato Turmeric Soup with Salty Almond Croutons