Glossary and Pronunciation of Tropical Roots and Tubers
Find definitions, explanations, and a pronunciations for tropical roots and tubers used in Latin Caribbean cooking.
boniato
This sweet potato is also called a Cuban sweet potato, white yam, Florida yam, camote, kamote, and kamura.
This sweet potato is also called a Cuban sweet potato, white yam, Florida yam, camote, kamote, and kamura.
jícama
This edible starchy tuberous root that comes from a tropical vine is also known as arrow root.
This edible starchy tuberous root that comes from a tropical vine is also known as arrow root.
papa
A papa (not papá) is a potato.
A papa (not papá) is a potato.
taro
This tuber is a starchy edible shaggy brown tuber that has a pleasing, nutty flavor. It's also called dasheen, eddo or kalo and is often confused with yautía.
This tuber is a starchy edible shaggy brown tuber that has a pleasing, nutty flavor. It's also called dasheen, eddo or kalo and is often confused with yautía.
yautía
This tuber has an elongated shape and the skin is bumpy, patchy, brown, and shaggy. It's also called malanga tannia, tannier, tanier or cocoyam and is often confused with taro.
This tuber has an elongated shape and the skin is bumpy, patchy, brown, and shaggy. It's also called malanga tannia, tannier, tanier or cocoyam and is often confused with taro.
yucca
In the Caribbean, yucca is as common as potatoes are to Americans. There's a sweet and a bitter variety. It also goes by the name cassava or manioc.
In the Caribbean, yucca is as common as potatoes are to Americans. There's a sweet and a bitter variety. It also goes by the name cassava or manioc.
ñame
These true yams can grow very large (up to 20 pounds) and it is not uncommon for you to find them cut in half at the store. You may also see them labeled as igñame, mapuey or yampi.
These true yams can grow very large (up to 20 pounds) and it is not uncommon for you to find them cut in half at the store. You may also see them labeled as igñame, mapuey or yampi.