City - NY - The Yam Man 1915 Magnet
Colorized photo from 1915 Original title: Peddler, East Side Photographer: Bain News Location: Somewhere in the Lower East Side, NY This is the yam man, he sold hot potato's on the streets of New York. He would roll around using a special cart designed to smoke yams. There would be a fire at the bottom using wood or coal, and the smoky flavor would embed itself into the potato creating a much more flavorful tuber than you could have made at home. While prices varied, a large one would be about 5 cents, and the smaller or half sizes could be a penny. Typically you would get a bag or a wrapping of paper, and you would eat it, like you would an apple. No seasoning, butter or sugar, just as is. Its a great source of fiber, tasty, portable, and filling. Cooked street yams are often eaten in the winter, as they serve as a great hand warmer. While it may seem usual to see such a site, they had these carts in NY till around the 1940's, and you can still find them around the world.
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