As is well known, sprouted potatoes are toxic and inedible. Like potatoes, yams also sprout in damp places. So, can you eat sprouted yams?
Sprouted yams are still edible, though their nutritional value is somewhat diminished. Once a yam begins to grow, sprouting causes a loss of nutrients. With slight sprouting, the loss of nutrients is minimal. However, unlike potatoes, sprouted yams do not produce toxins. Yams and potatoes belong to different plant families. There have been no reported cases of poisoning from eating sprouted yams. If your yams have sprouted due to improper storage, you can simply remove the sprouts and still eat them. Of course, the best approach is to store them properly, keeping them in a cool, ventilated, and light-proof place to prevent sprouting. If possible, refrigeration is best, with an ideal temperature of 0-10°C. Therefore, sprouted yams are edible as long as the sprouted parts are removed. The nutritional content of sprouted yams will be diminished, so the best practice is to store them properly from the start to prevent sprouting.