This year the candied yams recipe is predicted to be the top side dish this holiday season, according to a Black Homeowner News poll. According to the poll southern candied yams were the top requested recipe by visitors a staggering 7 out of the 12 months in 2009.

This surprising finding where the normal holiday side dish dominated the poll in traditional non-holiday months. For example, the recipe was the top requested recipe during the months of April, May, June, July, August, September and for the month of October.

The tasty dish has grown in popularity perhaps because of the comfort food feeling it gives people. This is especially noticeable as the economy, unemployment and other issues have spiked. All these factors have given candied yams a surge in popularity. Soul food restaurants have always served southern candied yams as a staple menu item. But now many families are serving the dish at home, according to the latest research by The Soul Food Association of America.

Another reason for the surge in popularity is the fact you can find yams or sweet potatoes year around now. Traditionally these vegetables could only be found during the fall and early winter months. Now because of imports the tasty vegetables can be found year around at economical prices. Now according to research more people are eating them during the non-traditional summer months.

The cost has remained steady compared to other produce. The growing and harvesting has had very little interruptions due to weather or natural disasters like other agricultural produce has experienced over the years.

Traditionally candied yams are eaten most during the holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, but not anymore. Another factor is the marketing job sweet potato and yam growers, distributors and packers have done in marketing their product to consumers.

Sweet potatoes also have a nutritional appeal to the growing number of health conscious consumers. They contain high levels of vitamin A (twice the recommended daily allowance), in addition to vitamin C and Calcium. In addition to being a great source of fiber, yams and sweet potatoes contain only 140 calories. This makes it an excellent food for weight watchers. All these facts have made candied yams the go-to side dish for more and more family tables.