What Is Yam Flour?

Also known as sweet potato flour, yam flour is powdered starch widely used in food preparation. Typically white, the flour is commonly used in African dishes, such as amala. It may be used in many other recipes if desired as well. It is prepared by grinding dried yams until they reach a powdered consistency. Dehydrated flour from yams may also be produced from sun drying.

Farms usually sell yam flour in the same way other types of flour is sold. One pound (.5 kilograms) of flour is the standard increment used to sell the flour. The wheat-free product can be a good choice for gluten-free recipes. Use of this flour is known to create lighter, fluffier products as well. People who do not care for dense, flat baked goods may wish to try sweet potato flour as a substitution in their favorite recipes.

Yam flour usually contains 100 calories per serving. High in carbohydrates, the food also contains some fat and protein. A cholesterol-free ingredient, the flour also contains a small amount of sodium and sugar.

Traditional amala is prepared with just yam flour and water. The flour is boiled until a dough is formed. The dough is then simmered in a small amount of water and kneaded before being served with a type of stew, such as one made from traditional vegetables and meats or fish.

Some people also utilize yam flour as a cheap base for dog treats or pet food. Animals with known wheat allergies may be fed with foods, such as dog cookies or biscuits, made with this type or other wheat-free flours. It's use is primarily popular in home-made pet treats.

Tasty cookies may be prepared with yam flour as well. The cookies may be prepared as any other sugar cookies, though milk is sometimes added to the recipe to prevent the flour from making the dough too dry. The flour may be substituted in other sweets recipes, too.

When purchasing yam flour, people should carefully read product labels. Various preservatives and added ingredients may be present that some eaters may be allergic or averse to. Different brands may also feature a wide variety of flavors, including nutty, sweet, or smoky in taste. Cooks can experiment with which flavors and brands they prefer, as well as which flavors best enhance their favorite recipes. When searching for this ingredient, cooks should keep in mind that specialty shops and Internet stores will be more likely to carry it than traditional supermarkets.