Foods That Start with Y: Yummy and Fun

Have you ever been curious about any types of food that start with Y? We have. As such, we did the research job for you and found the most delicious foods that begin with a Y.

There is a whole list of these ingredients or dishes. The list is alphabetic order just so it will be easier to read. After the list, you will find the most frequently used ones described more in depth.

Ready?

Foods That Start with Y – a Lengthy List

It might sound peculiar to some of you to read about single ingredients. However, this is a nice way to find interesting facts about special foods and add more knowledge.

1. YABBY – crustacean that live in freshwater, known as a species of crayfish.
2. Yacon – species of perennial daisy that is found in Latin America.
3. Yak Jerky – made from yak meat, this jerky has a delicate flavor. 
4. Yakitori – this is a skewered chicken recipe traditionally made in Japan.
5. Yali Pear – species of pear, cultivated in China.
6. Yams – edible tuber cultivated in the tropical regions.
7. YAM BEANS – known as jicama, this is actually a turnip from the Mexican area.
8. Yam Gizdodo – also known as Dodo, this is peppered yam mixed with fried plantain.
9. Yam Fritters – deep fried pre-boiled yams.
10. Yam Pockets – previously boiled yam which are filled with different ingredients such as chorizo or sour cream.
11. Yam Rice – a blend of diced yam and rice.
12. Yamarita – another yam dish made from boiled yams and then covered with multiple ingredients like eggs and ginger.
13. Yangmei – this is an Asian berry that grows in trees.
14. Yankee Pot Roast – a slow cooked dish made from a mixture of beef, with onion, potatoes, and carrots.

    

15. Yardlong beans – this is a Chinese legume from the same family as asparagus.
16. YAUTIA – edible plant used to produce starch.
17. YEAST – edible fungus used for making different bread, wine or beer varieties.
18.  Yellowtail – species of fish found in the Pacific Ocean.
19. Yellow Apple – also known as ‘golden delicious’, this is an apple type which originates from West Virginia, US.
20. Yellow Eye Bean – beans that have an ivory color and are mildly sweet.
21. Yellow Finn Potatoes – European potato species that are now cultivated in California as well.
22. Yellow Passion Fruit – part of the Passiflora family, this fruit type is sweet and highly appreciated.
23. Yellow Plum – also known as cherry plums, these fruits come from a wild tree from Anatolia.
24. Yellowtail Sushi Roll – as the name implies, these sushi rolls are made from yellowtail fish.
25. Yellow Tomato Sauce – this is a simple tomato sauce made from yellow tomatoes.
26. Yellow Zucchini Soup – soup made from yellow zucchinis.
27. Yellowfin Tuna – tuna species found in the tropical and subtropical oceans.
28. Yiassas – this is a small to medium evergreen tree, from Northern America and Central of it that produces yellow to orange skin sweet fruits.
29. Yiros – probably the most famous Greek dish made with juicy meat stuffed in a pita bread and served with tzatziki sauce.

    

30. Yodels – a frosted dessert, with lots of creams, also popular as “devil’s Cake”.
31. Yogurt – this needs no introduction, as it is one of the healthiest, most straightforward ways to start your day.
32. Yogurt Cake – type of sponge cake made with yogurt
33. Yogurt Cheese – a mixture of yogurt and cheese which is the perfect bread spreadable.
34. Yogurt Chicken – delicious juicy pan fried chicken, previously marinated in yogurt.
35. Yogurt Kebab – delicious kebab made with yogurt marinated chicken.
36. Yogurt Muffins – muffins that contain yogurt in their dough.
37. Yolk – the yellow part of the egg.
38. Yolk Cookies – delicious and flavored cookies made only with the yolk part of the egg.
39. Youngberry – this berry is a hybrid between blackberries, raspberries, and dewberries
40. Yorkshire pudding – crispy oven baked puddings that are usually served with gravy.
41. Yorkshire Teacake – Teacake with dry fruits inside, very popular in England.

    

42. Young Coconut Jelly – The result of coconut water fermentation.
43. Young Coconut Cream Pie – creamy coconut pie, topped with a fluffy meringue.
44. Young Coconut Meat – this is the green coconut before it fully matures.
45. Young Coconut Rice – rice cooked with slices of coconut.
46. Yōkan – thick Japanese jelly.
47. Yquem – part of the Château d’Yquem vineyards, these wines are some of the world’s best ones, a nice blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
48. Yuca – a tuber similar to the potato, traditionally grown in Africa.
49. Yukon Gold Potatoes – potatoes with smooth skin developed in Ontario, Canada.
50. Yuzu – hybrid citrus fruit.

Foods That Start with Y – Details and Recipes

Now, let’s take some of these dishes or ingredients and look at them from a more in-depth perspective.

1. Yogurt

Yogurt is a very old food, an ancient one. It first appeared in the Neolithic period, meaning around 10,000 years ago, Impressive, right? Due to the fermenting process, yogurt was a great way to preserve milk, as its acidity killed the harmful bacteria.

A healer Today

Yogurt is not only the best way to start your day. This typical food contains at least 10 million bacteria per gram, and it is a great food to eat for protecting the gastric flora.

Warning!

Do not consume yogurt if you have an intolerance for lactose.

Nutritional Values

The usual amount of calories per 100 grams of yogurt is 61, and it contains almost 88% water.

Recipes

Here are some great yogurt recipes to inspire you.

2. Yams

Yam is the general name for a specific plant species, Dioscorea. Yams are usually cultivated for consumption, especially for their tubers. Some tropical areas, such as Africa, the Caribbean, South America, Asia, and Oceania, are the best places for Yams cultivation.

Nutritional Values

You should know that Yams are quite similar to sweet potatoes. As such, they are carbohydrate-rich. The nutritional value for 100 grams is 118 calories.

Safety Profile

Although it is a healthy food, Yams that have African origins should be perfectly cooked; otherwise, it might contain toxic substances that will cause illness.

Recipes

Are you looking for some lovely recipes? Here is how you can cook yams.

3. Yam beans

These beans are not related to yams; however, they are a great energy and fiber source. Coming in many colors, the Yam beans come from Latin America, especially Mexico, Bolivia, and Argentina.

Nutritional Values

Yam beans are nutrient-dense and a great source of copper, manganese, potassium, and many antioxidants. They can contribute to a moderate diet by boosting brain health and improving sugar control and inflammation.

Be Aware!

Yam beans have pods that can be toxic while mature. As such, you should consume the vegetable-only when they are at a young stage.

Recipes

These beans are perfect for consuming in salads. These recipes are quite impressive.

4. Yeast

A microscopic fungal organism, yeast is mostly common in baking and brewing. It is not sure when it was first used, but some data say that it came from Ancient Egypt.

Nutritional Values

This tiny fungal organism plays a significant role in the human diet, and it is a vital ingredient in bread, beer, and other foods. In recent years, people started consuming it like nutritional yeast.

How can Yeast be harmful?

In large doses, yeast can cause lots of digestive problems or facial flushing. Do not consume it if you have inflammatory bowel disease, glaucoma, or hypertension.

Recipes

You can use yeast in lots of recipes, such as dessert, bread, pizza dough, and so on. Find some inspiration here.

5. Yiros

Yiros, also known as Gyros, is a Greek-origin dish, dating from the 1920s. It is delicious, with lots of ingredients. This excellent food contains fresh pita bread, juicy lamb, chicken or pork meat, parsley, red onion, tomatoes, and some delicious tzatziki sauce.

Nutritional Values

In Greece, Yiros contains numerous ingredients, including carbs, sauces, and fried potatoes. If you are on a diet, avoid this dish, or choose a lighter one made with vegetables. For 100 grams, Yiros can have even 600 kcals.

Recipes

Greeks, Arabs, Americans, or Turkish people, each have their different recipes. You can make your Yiros by following some excellent recipes here.

6. Yabby

Yabby is a tiny crustacean, usually found in billabongs or creeks. Yabby has the most massive range of all Australian freshwater crayfish.

Nutritional Value

Yabby is low in fat. As such, great for those who pay attention to their diet.

Good To Know

One of the most common ways to cook yabbies is by boiling them in water. Usually, yabbies become very active once the temperature rises. As such, we would advise you to place the yabbies in cold water first of all, then start cooking them.

Recipes

In Australia, Yabbies are eaten just like crayfish. As such, you will boil them and eat them plain, or by adding some extra condiments. Also, you can put them in salads, ravioli, and other types of pasta. Here is some inspiration.

7. Yolk

The yolk is the yellow/orange nutrient part of the egg. Many of us don’t know much about its purpose, but biological speaking, yolk supplies food for the embryo.

Nutrition Values

Yolks are rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and lipids. This is the most nutrient part of the egg. One yolk has 55 calories and 2.70 g of protein.

Risks of Consuming Yolks

While egg yolk is high in cholesterol and contains saturated fatty acids, it is not recommended to people with heart disease risks. Even if you are healthy, yolks should be consumed with moderation.

Recipes

You can use yolks in dessert, mayos, and lots of other dishes. Find inspiration here.

8. Yuca

Yuca is a root vegetable that has origins in Africa today.

Nutrition Values

Yuca tuber is the third-largest carbohydrate source. Just like potatoes, the yucca root has a large number of carbs and very little protein. For 100 grams of Yucca, you have 165 calories, 0.3 grams of fat, and 39 grams of carbs.

Attention!

If you consume too much Yuca, you will have a diet full of saturated fat and cholesterol.

Recipes

After processing it, yuca is safe to eat and delicious. If you want to release all its best compounds, make sure you soak it then dry into the sun. Then it will be ready to be boiled or fermented. We love this recipe.

9. Yuzu

The origins of Yuzu date back to ancient China, where this ingredient was firstly used 1,200 years ago. After some time, Yuzu was brought to Japan and Korea and became very popular as an ingredient for cooking. People used it to prepare special baths too.

Nutrition Values

Yuzu is a Citrus fruit with a yellow-green color. Its flavor is unique, and the fragrance very strong.

Side Effects

Although it happens rarely, some people might be allergic to yuzu. So, if you have allergies to citrus fruits, do not consume Yuzu.

Recipes

Here are some exciting recipes containing Yuzu.

10. Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna is a tropical and subtropical type of fish found in all the oceans around the world. This type of tuna is a large species that can reach even 180 kg.

Nutritional Values

Yellowfin tuna is very nutritious and has lots of proteins, as well as healthy fats and vitamins. However, it should not be consumed daily, but only 2-3 times a week. In moderation, tuna is very beneficial, even when you are on a diet.

Warning!

Moderation is the key. This yellowfin tuna is rich in fatty acids and Omega-3. However, 85-140 grams of fish are enough per week.

Recipes

Yellowfin tuna is usually used in sushi and served raw.

11. Yautia

Yautia is a native Northern South American plant, mostly cultivated in numerous parts of the world. Many American locals know this ingredient as Taro.

Nutritional Value

For every 1 cup of 135 grams, there will be 132 calories. Yautia is full of nutrients, vitamins, lipids, and minerals. This plant is an excellent source of health.

Precautions

There are some calcium oxalate crystals in Yautia that can irritate the mouth and throat once ingested. Also, the sap of this plant might provide irritation to your skin.

Recipes

Don’t know how to use this ingredient? This might help you.

12. Yali Pear

Yali Pears come from China and are those Asian Pear types with a tear-drop shape.

Nutritional Value

These fruits are very rich in vitamin C, K, antioxidants, and many other minerals. They work great in diets, as soon as people eat them with moderation.

Recipes

Yali Pears can be used raw, but you can also cook them with other dishes, such as roasting and grilling. Here are some recipe ideas.

13. Yakitori

As we know it today, Yakitori first appeared during the middle of the Meiji Era, in Japan, at the beginning of the 1920s. In most of the urban areas all across Japan, this yakitori was served grilled over charcoal.

Nutritional Value

Yakitori is mainly grilled chicken skewers, and it uses multiple pieces of meat from all parts of a chicken. It is a relatively light dish if you do it next to vegetables.

Recipes

The original Yakitori is cooked over charcoal. You just need to season it with salt and a salty-sweet sauce. Here is a tasty recipe idea.

14. Yangmei

Yangmei, also known as yumberry, is a small fruit from Asia, but mainly China. It has a deep, still bright red color, and it comes dried, fresh, canned, or fermented.

Nutrition Values

These Chinese fruits are full of good minerals, and vitamins, a great source of fibers, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

Recipes and Consumption

Besides eating them fresh, as they come, you can make juices using Yangmei, even alcoholic beverages.

15. Yacon

Yacon comes from the northern and central Andes, right from Colombia to the North of Argentina. Its taste is unique, as it is sweet and crispy.

Nutritional Value

Yacon has lots of benefits for your health, as it is rich in potassium, calcium, and phosphorus.

Recipes and How To Eat

You will eat the tubers raw and after you have peeled the skin. Yacon roots can also be consumed as dehydrated products, such as chips, slices, flour, and so on. The dried leaves are mostly used for making tea.

Precautions

The leaves of this plant are suitable only for making; otherwise wise, they can be toxic. Too much consumption of Yacon can lead to intestines pain.

16. Yōkan

Yōkan is a Japanese dessert, and it is made of red bean paste, sugar, and agar.

Nutritional Value

This is a sweet dish, which uses lots of sugar, honey, and a red bean paste. As such, the nutritional value is relatively high. Make sure you eat it in small quantities, especially if you are on a diet.

Recipes

Yōkan might also contain chestnuts, azuki beans, or sweet potatoes. If you are allergic to any of these, do not consume this dessert. Here is a simple recipe.

17. Yellowtail

Yellowtail is a fish found in the Southern Ocean. This type of fish is quite large and can grow over 70 inches.

Nutritional Value

Yellowtail fish is very high in protein, and it is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are healthy and have significant benefits over decreasing inflammation, blood pressure and improving the mood.

Recipes

Here are some friendly ways to prepare yellowtail fish.

18. Youngberry

In 1905, youngberries appeared in Morgan City, Louisiana.

Nutritional Values

Like many other blackberry fruits, youngberries have antioxidants, vitamins A, C, calcium, and B1.

Recipes

Youngberries are less seedy, which makes them great in desserts. They have a succulent texture, so that you can use them in pancakes or cheesecakes as well. Here is a tasty dessert to make.

19. Yardlong beans

Yardlong Beans have origins in Southern Asia, but they are also popular in Southeastern China and Thailand.

Nutritional Value

These immature pods serving 100 grams have 47 calories, no fat, and no cholesterol.

Recipes

The leaves of Yardlong Beans are consumed as vegetables, while people can eat the pods fresh or cooked.

Precautions

People who suffer from an immune allergy to legumes should avoid this ingredient.

20. Yorkshire pudding

One of the most famous English dishes, Yorkshire pudding, is a traditional side-dish, delicate and delicious.

Recipes

The Yorkshire Pudding can be baked as a pudding and filled with other ingredients such as mash or sausages.

Last Thoughts

There might be many other foods, dishes, and ingredients that start with Y. However, we hope that our list made you introduce some of the most popular ones.