Abstract:  Objective: To analyze the edibility of Huaishan fresh yam (Dioscorea opposita Tbunb.). Method: Three varieties of yam Guihuai No.2, Guihuai No.5 and Guihuai No.6 were used as test materials. Taste and safety of fresh yam were evaluated by analyzing the contents of major nutrients, heavy metals and pesticides and the toxicity as well. Result: Yam has rich nutional components, including 17.09% starch, 2.61% protein, 5.38% soluble sugar and 1.68% gross amount of amino acids specifically 18 amino acids among which there are essential amino acids required by human beings. The contents of Fe, Zn and Cu are 3.9, 3.12, 1.59 mg/kg, respectively. The contents of heavy metals and pesticides in yam are found agreed with the technical criteria of vegetables. Eating fresh yam could be accepted by different tested populations. Conclusion: Fresh yam has rich nutrition value and is suitable for fresh food use with safety.

Key words: Dioscorea oppsita, fresh yam, nutrition, toxicity, edibility