What we call a yam is high in beta carotene and deep orange in color.(varying in depth of color) A sweet potato looks like a white potato with a disgusting sweetness to it. ugh.... Oliva (who loves yams.) ----- Original Message ----- From: "Hans Kylberg" <[log in to unmask]> Sweet potatoes are sometimes called yam in USA, but the yam eaten in Africa is *not* a sweet potato. The sweet potato is of american origin.