Sweet Potato Yam Facts. What is the difference between sweet potatoes and yams Everyday Mysteries Fun Science Facts from the Library of Congress. Pita Sandwich here. Everything you need to know about buying, preparing and cooking sweet potatoes, which are not kin to yams. Articles/images/yam3.jpg' alt='Difference Between Yams And Sweet Potatoes' title='Difference Between Yams And Sweet Potatoes' />For years your recipe has called for sweet potatoes, but there are always yams around. What is the difference between yams and sweet potatoes April. Yam vs Sweet Potato the truth is what youve been calling a yam is most likely a sweet potato. So whats the difference between yams and sweet potatoes Fall is around the corner which means sweet potato season is upon us. Or is it yam season In grocery stores across the country, the labeling of sweet potatoes and. Learn how to tell the difference between sweet potatoes and yams, plus useful information about both varieties.