Jewel Yams were developed in the United Stated in the mid-20th Century. They have a pleasing orange flesh and red to copper skin. They are in fact sweet potatoes, not yams, and are ideal for dessert recipes. Like Most sweet potatoes they are starchy and good in baking and mashing, and of course our favorite sweet potato fries.
Key Characteristics
- Skin: Smooth, light copper to tan-colored skin.
- Flesh: Deep orange, moist, and sweet when cooked.
- Shape: Uniformly cylindrical roots with tapered ends.
- Maturity: Early to mid-season variety, typically maturing in 120–135 days.
- Yield: Produces high yields of marketable roots.
Resistances
- Fusarium Wilt: Moderate resistance to this fungal disease.
- Root-Knot Nematodes: More tolerant than some other varieties but still requires careful pest management.
- Soft Rot: Susceptible under poor storage conditions, requiring careful handling post-harvest.