Yam in 14th century Scotland

[Celtic Britain]

Hi,

is it possible to use yam (vegetable) in re-enacting 14th century Scotland? Is it likely that it was used for food?

Thanks in advance.

Best regards,

Celtic Britain

[the_power]

I doubt your average 21st century scot would have a clue what a yam is!

It's an American/African rain-forest food that though discovered in the 17th century, but I don't think it was ever cultivated in Europe.

John

[finnobreanan]

Yams were first imported into Europe from Africa in the 1500s (sorry, I couldn't find an exact date), and probably were a fairly scarce commodity at that time. They were not cultivated in Europe until about 1850, as a substitute for potatoes during the blight. A Scot (or any other European) in the 1300s wouldn't have a clue what one was.