Storage

Store unwashed yams in a cool, dry spot with good ventilation for up to 2 weeks. Avoid the refrigerator and plastic bags, both of which promote softening and molding. Yams must be kept at temperatures close to 50°F/10°C. During the cool months of the year, I store yams in my basement enclosed in a loose brown-paper sack with the top crumpled over but not tightly sealed. This blocks out light but doesn’t trap moisture. During the warmer months, I buy what I need for a recipe and use them right away.