Containing enzymes like amylase and polyphenol oxidase, yam aids digestive absorption and functions as a mild tonic for the spleen and stomach. It is suitable for both spleen yang deficiency and stomach yin deficiency. Clinically, it is often combined with gastrointestinal decoctions to treat spleen-stomach weakness, poor appetite, and fatigue.
2. Nourishes Kidneys and Essence
Containing multiple nutrients essential for the human body, Chinese yam possesses remarkable effects in strengthening the body and nourishing kidney essence. Women experiencing excessive vaginal discharge or frequent urination may benefit from consuming Huai yam.
3. Nourishing the Lungs and Relieving Cough
Containing saponins and mucilage, Chinese yam lubricates and moistens the respiratory tract. It thus benefits lung qi, nourishes lung yin, and treats chronic cough with phlegm due to lung deficiency.
4. Lowering Blood Sugar
Containing mucoprotein, Chinese yam possesses remarkable blood sugar-lowering properties. It is also effective in treating diabetes, making it an ideal food for diabetics.
5. Promoting Longevity
Rich in mucoprotein, vitamins, and trace elements, Chinese yam effectively prevents lipid deposits on blood vessel walls, guarding against cardiovascular diseases. It achieves the benefits of calming the mind, enhancing mental clarity, and prolonging life.
Yam Cooking Methods: Soups & Stews
Stewed Chicken with Yam
Main Ingredients: 2000g fresh yam, 1000g fresh chicken chunks. Supporting Ingredients: 2 scallions (cut into sections), 3 slices ginger, sesame oil, salt, pepper (each a small amount).
Method: 1. Cut yam into sections.2. Pressure-cook chicken pieces until 30% cooked. Add yam pieces and seasonings, then simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.
Yam and Tofu Soup
Characteristics: Deliciously savory with a smooth texture.
Prep time: 3 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Ingredients: Yam, firm tofu, beaten egg, shiitake mushrooms, cilantro.
Seasonings: Broth, salt, MSG, chicken bouillon powder, pepper, cornstarch slurry.
Method: 1. Peel and dice the Chinese yam, then blanch. Cut the tofu into cubes matching the yam size. 2. Wash and finely chop the cilantro. Clean and dice the shiitake mushrooms. 3. Add broth to a pot, stir in main ingredients, then season with salt, MSG, chicken bouillon powder, and pepper.4. When boiling, thicken with cornstarch slurry until viscous. Drizzle in beaten egg and sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.
Hair Moss Yam Soup
Ingredients: 2 pounds yam, 1/2 ounce hair moss, 3 ounces shredded pork, 1/2 small carrot, 5 small shiitake mushrooms, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 8 cups water.
Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon salt,1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon black vinegar, a dash of sesame oil.
Method: 1. Shred all ingredients and set aside.<2. Bring water to a boil, add all ingredients, cook until tender, then season and thicken with cornstarch slurry.
Yam Cooking Methods: Stir-Fry Variations
Stir-Fried Yam Slices
Main Ingredients: Fresh yam, as needed.
Supporting ingredients: 2 scallions (cut into sections), 1 garlic scape (minced), ginger slices, vinegar, sesame oil, salt, pepper (each a small amount).
Preparation method is similar to stir-fried lotus root slices with vinegar.
Stir-fried Yam with Pork Slices
Main ingredients: 200g fresh yam, 300g pork tenderloin.
Supporting Ingredients: 50g carrot, 50g cucumber, 2 scallions (cut into sections), 3 slices ginger, salt, cooking wine, pepper to taste.
Herbs: 5g astragalus root, 3g fangfeng root, 2g white atractylodes root, 10 red dates.
Method: 1. Cut carrot and cucumber into sections using a serrated knife.2. Simmer herbs with ginger slices in 4 bowls of water until reduced to 1 bowl of medicinal broth. Reserve. 3. Thinly slice pork tenderloin and marinate with all seasonings. 4. Sauté scallion segments in a little oil until fragrant. Add pork slices and stir-fry until color changes. 5. Toss in yam, carrot, and cucumber. Pour in medicinal broth, season with salt, and stir-fry for about 1 minute.
Colorful Shrimp with Yam
Ingredients: 1 lb yam, 1/2 lb shrimp, 2 tbsp snow peas, 1/2 carrot.
Seasonings: A: 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp MSG, 2 tsp cooking wine, 1/4 tsp pepper, pinch of sugar and vinegar, cornstarch as needed, dash of sesame oil.
Method: 1. Peel the yam and carrot, soak briefly in salt water. Drain, cut into long wavy strips, blanch in boiling water, then soak in cold water. 2. Rinse shrimp, marinate with Seasoning A for 20 minutes.3. Quickly stir-fry shrimp in oil until just cooked. Remove and set aside. 4. Heat oil in wok. Add yam, carrot, and shrimp. Stir-fry until fragrant. Add cornstarch mixture and cook until sauce thickens slightly. Stir in snow peas. Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.