Yacon rhizomes 3 for $9
As a member of the sunflower family, yacon can grow to 2 metres in height with small, daisy-like yellow flowers. Yacon is a South American plant which has been used for centuries.
The tubers have an appealing crunchy crispness that is a cross between apple and watermelon, and are extremely high in potassium (essential for muscles and heart & liver), magnesium (memory & nervous system) and calcium (skin, bones).
The tubers and leaves contain high levels of inulin, a form of sugar humans cannot easily break down, making it low in calories (ideal for weight watchers). It contains prebiotics which aid digestion and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestine, while inhibiting toxic bacteria.
Recent research also has found that yacon tubers and leaves are a good source of antioxidants.
Yacon actually produces two types of underground tubers, the reddish rhizomes (photo 1) directly at the base of the stem, are used for propagation and crispy brown tubers (photo 2), which are eaten.
Grow the propagation rhizomes over summer and harvest the edible tubers early winter. If you can grow potatoes, you can grow yacons.
You will receive sufficient rhizomes (photo 1) to grow at least 3 plants .
How to use yacons:
-The leaves can be used as a herbal tea.
-The young stem can be used as a cooked vegetable.
-The tubers are simply just eaten like a fruit or they are juiced and boiled down to a syrup.
-We prefer to eat the tubes raw. First remove the skin.
-Chop the tuber into chunks and add it to salads.
-Or cut into long strips, for dipping into your favourite guacamole or cream cheese dip.
-Slices can be dried and used as chips.
-Can also be boiled, steamed or baked with other vegies, they stay sweet and slightly crisp.
-Yacon can also be used to replace apples in baking.
Pick up from Wakefield.
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What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
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