Yam, a monocotyledonous plant, belongs to the genus Dioscorea and comprises around 650 species across 10 genera. These plants are widely found in both temperate and tropical regions globally. In China, there are approximately 80 species of yam. Originally cultivated in Pingyao and Jiexiu, Shanxi, it has now spread across northern, northwestern, and the Yangtze River regions, including Jiangxi and Hunan.
In traditional Chinese culture, the cultivated variety is commonly known as "yam," while the wild version is referred to as "wild yam." In herbal medicine, it is called "Huaishan," "Huai Yam," or simply "Huai Yam."
Known for its high nutritional value, yam has been valued as an affordable and nutritious food since ancient times. It can be consumed as a staple food, a vegetable, or even processed into snacks like candied yam.
China's main production areas include the northern part of Henan Province, with additional cultivation in Shandong, Hebei, Shanxi, and other regions in Central South and Southwest China. After the stems and leaves wither in winter, the roots are harvested, cleaned, and dried for storage and use.
The most commonly cultivated varieties in China are the common yam and the field potato. The common yam has smaller tubers, but the yam from the ancient Huaiqing area (now in Jiaozuo, Henan, including Mengzhou, Boai, Fuyang, Wuyi, and Wenxian counties) is particularly renowned. This variety, known as "Yi Yam," is considered the highest quality in the country and is often referred to as "Wai Shen."
Several local yam varieties have been granted national geographical indication protection. These include Changshan Yam from Zouping, Shandong; "Iron Stick Yam" from Wenxian and Mengzhou, Henan; "Chen Ji Yam" from Chenji Town, Heze, Shandong; "Buddha Yam" from Wuxue, Hubei; and Nanyang Township Yam from Ruichang, Jiangxi. Additionally, Nancheng County in Jiangxi, recognized as the largest Huaishan planting base in the province and one of China’s three major Huaishan production centers, was officially registered by the Ministry of Agriculture in 2011 and continues to receive agricultural product protection.
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