Um...are Sweet Potatoes/Yams Supposed to Leak "Milk" When Cut?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores the phenomenon of sweet potatoes or yams leaking a milky substance when cut. Participants share their personal experiences and reactions to this occurrence, discussing its implications for freshness and sweetness.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions their puppies enjoy sweet potatoes, noting an unusual milky substance oozing from one they cut, which led them to discard it.
  • Several participants express that they have not encountered this milky leakage before.
  • Another participant shares that the milky substance may indicate the sweet potato is particularly sweet.
  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, states that this leakage happens occasionally with fresh sweet potatoes, especially during the season.
  • Another participant comments on the difference between sweet potatoes and yams, providing some background information on their availability.
  • One participant expresses regret over discarding what might have been a good sweet potato after learning more about the milky substance.
  • Several participants share their cooking experiences and preferences regarding sweet potatoes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the occurrence of the milky substance, with some participants having experienced it and others not. There is no clear consensus on whether it is a common or unusual phenomenon.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a range of cooking experiences and preferences related to sweet potatoes and yams, reflecting personal culinary practices rather than formal guidance.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and community members interested in cooking experiences and discussions about sweet potatoes and yams may find this thread informative.

Kitchen Diva
Kitchen Diva
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My puppies love sweet potatoes/yams.

So once in a while, as a treat, I slice them thin, drizzle them lightly with olive oil and bake them until they are slightly crisp. They gobble them up.

I bought two yams at the market this weekend, and cut the first one up with no drama. When I sliced into the second one- "milk" was oozing out of the slices, in little droplets. So I cut another slice, same thing.

Needless to say it freaked me out, and I figured it was not fresh, so I tossed it.

Is it normal for a sweet potato to leak a milky white substance when cut into? I don't believe I've ever seen that- HELP!!!:confused:
 
I use sp/yam's alot and have never seen that!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
pamperedpnina said:
I use sp/yam's alot and have never seen that!
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It was the strangest thing- and it really stood out against the orange of the potato! I'm like WTH!! (what the heck?!)

It's times like this that I wish Alton Brown was my Uncle! :D
 
yup.... I've had it happen...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
etteluap70PC said:
yup.... I've had it happen...
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It's gross, sort of. When I went back to the kitchen after starting this thread the white milky stuff had turned brown and very sticky. Eeewww!~:yuck:
 
I think it means they are super sweet. It's like the sugar leeching out.

Did you google it?
 
Paulette's right!

That happens to me every so often, and it's when they are especially sweet & fresh sweet potatoes. The older they get, the more they dry out. But this is sweet potato season, so they should be pretty fresh now, not coming from a couple months of cold storage.

We eat sweet potatoes at least twice a week in some form...so I deal with them alot. We had baked Sweet potato wedges for lunch today. Yummy! I wedge them with the apple wedger, and then shake a little cinnamon/sugar on them.
 
Not to start anything, but asking someone if they have googled their milky yams just seems a tad personal to me. Nerd moment alert: While canned sweet potatoes are often labeled "Yams," they aren't. Sweet potatoes and yams are very different. Yams are mostly available in Central America, the West Indies, Asia, and Africa. They are not grown and not widely available in the United States. What we have widely available in grocery stores in the US are sweet potatoes.
 
raebates said:
Not to start anything, but asking someone if they have googled their milky yams just seems a tad personal to me.
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Ok... Now I'm blushing...
 
Sorry. i just couldn't help myself. I've been sitting here snickering since I began reading the thread. I think I spend too much time around too many teenage boys.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Great, so I just trashed a super sweet- sweet potato. I feel so wasteful. Well, had I not just tossed chicken bones, and onion skins, etc in the trash on top of it, I'd go back and fish them out and finish cutting them and baking them for the puppies. I'm glad I asked- I'll never toss another leaky sweet potato away again! :)

BTW- Paulette, I rarely google anything food related- I pretty much figure someone here will have the answer, and if they don't, then and only then will I google it! :)
 
I have several food reference books that I've gotten through the years. I love Food Lover's Companion. It's basically a culinary dictionary.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
raebates said:
I have several food reference books that I've gotten through the years. I love Food Lover's Companion. It's basically a culinary dictionary.
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Maybe Santa will drop one under my tree this Christmas! A culinary book for me and a job for DH! :)

Thanks for the help guys, I knew you'd have the answer! :)
 
Welcome back Kacey.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #15
raebates said:
Not to start anything, but asking someone if they have googled their milky yams just seems a tad personal to me.

Nerd moment alert: While canned sweet potatoes are often labeled "Yams," they aren't. Sweet potatoes and yams are very different. Yams are mostly available in Central America, the West Indies, Asia, and Africa. They are not grown and not widely available in the United States. What we have widely available in grocery stores in the US are sweet potatoes.
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Rae, I know they aren't the same thing- they sell both types at our local grocery stores...but just to be safe in case others didn't know that, I wanted to use both names for the little tuber just to make things nice and easy! :)
 
sweet potatoes & yams *(I don't think God really intended for us to eat those did he??) :)
 
Teresa Lynn said:
sweet potatoes & yams *(I don't think God really intended for us to eat those did he??) :)
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They are so good...especially with margarine and our Sweet Caramel Sprinkle and/or Cinnamon Sprinkle on them!
 
I hated Sweet Potatoes because people always served them with sugar and marshmellow junk.Then this summer I had them mashed with regular potatoes, garlic and cheese. Now I love them because I had them like regular potatoes!
 
I'm not a sweet potato fan, but I bake them all the time for The Furry Guy. He loves them.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Um...Are Sweet Potatoes/Yams Supposed to Leak "Milk" When Cut?

Yes, sweet potatoes and yams can leak a milky substance when cut. This is a natural occurrence due to the presence of a latex-like sap in the tubers. It's completely normal and not harmful.

What Causes the "Milk" to Leak from Sweet Potatoes/Yams?

The milky substance is primarily caused by the plant's natural defense mechanisms. When the tuber is cut, the cells break open and release this sap, which can appear milky or white in color.

Is the "Milk" Safe to Consume?

Yes, the milky substance is safe to consume. However, some people may find it slightly bitter, so you can rinse the cut surfaces before cooking if desired.

Do All Sweet Potatoes and Yams Leak This Substance?

Not all sweet potatoes and yams will leak this milky sap, but many varieties do. The amount of leakage can vary based on the specific type and freshness of the tuber.

How Can I Minimize the Leakage When Cutting Sweet Potatoes/Yams?

To minimize leakage, try using a sharp knife to make clean cuts, and consider cutting them under cold water. This can help reduce the amount of sap released.

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