What historical factor primarily caused the confusion and mislabeling of sweet potatoes as 'yams' in North America?
Answer
The introduction of moist, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes that resembled true yams
When moist, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes arrived in North America, they were labeled as 'yams' due to a superficial resemblance to true yams already known in Africa and Asia, and this mislabeling persisted.

#Videos
Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes: Health Hacks- Thomas DeLauer - YouTube
Related Questions
Which plant family do sweet potatoes, botanically classified as *Ipomoea batatas*, belong to?What is the genus name for true yams?What historical factor primarily caused the confusion and mislabeling of sweet potatoes as 'yams' in North America?If a consumer finds a tuber with rough, dark, almost bark-like skin and a dry, starchy interior, what are they most likely looking at?What is the most striking nutritional difference concerning the orange-fleshed sweet potato?Which nutrient is true yams noted to contain very little to none of, in contrast to orange sweet potatoes?In a direct comparison of mineral concentration, which tuber sometimes contains higher levels of potassium?What structural characteristic makes true yams better suited for dishes requiring them to hold their shape, such as frying or stews?When comparing their general impact on blood sugar levels, which root vegetable typically exhibits a lower Glycemic Index (GI)?For the average consumer in many Western countries, what makes sweet potatoes a more practical staple vegetable than true yams?