Camote del Cerro or What is Nagaimo doing at the Mexican Market?

Question

I first noticed this mountain yam or tuber at a Mexican swap Meet in San Diego, Ca - which I could recognize as the Japanese Nagaimo. I am interested if anyone knows the uses of this in traditional Mexican cuisines. My poor translating ability has picked up only that it is served boiled with a salsa primarily in west Mexico.

Answer

I love Camote del Cerro !!! This is something that when it is in season in my hometown in Mexico man it is the best. it's slimy so you really have to know how to cook it. we always boil it topped with Guava leaves it really brings out the flavor and it gets rid of the sliminess of it. But the way to eat it is after cooking it let it cool and then you just add salt lemon and Chili. I know it sounds simple but man it is the best treat. it can be breaded and added to different chilis but the truth is that where I am from we mostly just eat it at room tempature with the lemon , salt and chili.

Answer

Kare_raisu, was this in Escondido by chance? I was wondering the same thing some 2 years ago when I spotted some at one of the produce stands at the Escondido Farmer's Market (on the Swap Meet grounds). I was pretty much in disbelief as it looked identical to Yamaimo but never heard of its use in Mexican cooking. I tied to remove my doubts by asking them about it, but alas was not able to sufficiently break the language barrier.

I was trying to describe the varying textures to them to ascertain whether or not it might be the same tuber to no avail.

Answer

So this is late but these are two different type of yams. Both are from the same Genus, but Camote del Cerro as it is known in parts of Mexico is Dioscorea Remotiflora. Nagaimo is Dioscorea polystachya. A quick google search will show the subtle differences in appearance between the two. Hope that clears up any confusion for anyone researching either.

Topics

Locations

Your post has been published!

Camote del Cerro or What is Nagaimo doing at the Mexican Market?

Chowhound Recommends

Recipe Round-Ups

13 of the Best Mexican Recipes to Grill This Summer

More from Chowhound

Guides

The Ultimate Spring Produce Guide: What's in Season & How to Use It

Recipe Round-Ups

Quick and Easy Instant Pot Breakfast Recipes for Less Morning Stress

Guides

How to Care for Enameled Cast Iron So It Lasts a Lifetime

Home

The Best Tool to Clean a Wood Cutting Board Is Probably in Your Compost Bin

Trending Discussions

Chowhound Recipes That You are Saving

A Final Goodbye for Chowhound

Favorite Chowhound Memories

NY Times: Chowhound Closes After 25 Years of Food Obsession, Wisdom and Debate

January–April 2022 Baking COTM: DESSERT PERSON by Claire Saffitz

Quick Links

Latest Discussions

Cookbook of the Month

Dish of the Month

Weekly Menu Planning

Get fresh food news delivered to your inbox

12 Irish Foods to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day That Aren’t Corned Beef and Cabbage

Chowhound

Policies

Community

Editorial

Content