Taro root is a starchy root vegetable originally cultivated in Asia but now enjoyed around the world. They’re common in hot and dry conditions. The plant flowers rarely and sporadically. Q: Are elephant ears and taro the same thing? This makes it difficult to control, as taro likes lots of water. Their powerful antioxidants may help reduce your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Highly nutritious Taro Colocasia esculenta prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight. Some gardeners only grow elephant’s ear as a decoration, but it’s worth harvesting at least once. The tropical state alone has 100 varieties of taro, which is an important part of Hawaiian cuisine. Taro can be prepared like a potato, but it doesn’t hold up well when mashed. In addition, a study in 20 rats found that administering them higher amounts of purple yam extract lowered appetite, encouraged weight loss, and improved blood sugar control (20). A test-tube study found that purple yams contain antioxidants that may help lower blood pressure in a way similar to that of common blood-pressure-lowering medications called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) (26). Purple yams have a wide range of culinary uses. In cold regions, Elephant Ears can be grown as an annual for decorative purposes. Glucomannan — Is It an Effective Weight Loss Supplement. Sweet Potatoes vs Yams: What’s the Difference? The sodium oxalate lies just beneath the exterior, so use gloves when preparing taro. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In fact, those with asthma were only meeting about 50% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A, on average (29). Nonetheless, when stripped of their skins, they are different colors. Taro has so many different names that we can’t possibly list them all. The flavonoids in purple yams have been shown to help lower blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes. Purple yams have a GI of 24, meaning that carbs are broken down into sugars slowly, resulting in a steady release of energy instead of a blood sugar spike (22). Purple yams are a great source of vitamin C, which acts as a potent antioxidant in your body. The temperature should be above 45°F to keep the tubers viable. Indoors, use a plant humidifier to keep the taro leaves happy. above the base. Prevent this disease by keeping the plant dry above ground. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes (23, 24). Root knot nematodes are a common problem in commercial taro cultivation and can be in your garden as well. It contains more fiber and potassium as well as Vitamins B, C, and E. This article contains incorrect information, This article is missing information that I need. . The cultivars usually differ in color, but some have more palatable roots or must be grown a certain way. Here are 6 surprising health benefits of sweet…. Another test-tube study showed that the antioxidants in purple yams could prevent the conversion of angiotensin 1 to angiotensin 2, a compound responsible for elevated blood pressure (26). A little more about me. If your plant lives outside year round, the temperature should always be above 45°F (cooler temps may affect tuber growth). Origin. If you’re looking for the wow factor in your garden, grow a taro plant (Colocasia esculenta). Once established, this disease can’t be cured so prevention is key. They are full of complex carbs and a good source of resistant starch, a type of carb that is resistant to digestion. The leaves are green with a purplish centre spot, the stems become reddish as they mature. What’s more, purple yams are rich in vitamin C, which helps keep your cells healthy, boosts iron absorption, and protects your DNA from damage (5). Leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season. Leaf blight can be controlled through weekly applications of copper fungicide. Purple yams are rich in antioxidants, including anthocyanins and vitamin C. Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals (6). Because it’s a tropical plant, taro is used to a long growing season. During the winter, however, keep the tubers dry so the plant can go dormant. Most Colocasia esculenta live their lives disease and pest-free. The purple yam (ube) is a starchy root vegetable that’s a great source of carbs, potassium, and... 2. Epic Gardening occasionally links to goods or services offered by vendors to help you find the best products to care for plants. This article explains the key differences between sweet…. This tuberous root vegetable originates from Southeast Asia and is often confused with taro root. Because it’s a tropical plant, taro is used to a long growing season. Growing Brussel Sprouts: They’re Nutritious and Delicious! Botanically, this plant is one species, Cococasia esculenta, but has tons of cultivars. One review of 40 studies found that the occurrence of asthma in adults was associated with low vitamin A intake. Thus, it’s unlikely that you would reap the same benefits from eating whole purple yams. Research suggests that a high dietary intake of antioxidants like vitamins A and C are associated with a reduced risk of asthma (27, 28). The anthocyanins in purple yams are also a type of polyphenol antioxidant. Its blossoms resemble Calla lilies, but not very noticeable among the much larger foliage. If you live in the right area, they’ll sprout again the following spring. Like the last two diseases, it thrives in humidity and can cause severe damage. Because of its size, taro will definitely attract attention in your home or garden. Once cooked, taro root can be frozen, and blanching before freezing is advised. And because of its tubers, taro will step up your edible gardening game. The worst thing you can do to your Colocasia esculenta is stress it out. Obesity and inflammation caused by oxidative stress increase your risk of insulin resistance, poor blood sugar control, and type 2 diabetes (18). To keep them healthy, you have to keep up with the care needs. Overwatering, on the other hand, will make the plant mushy and invite pests and diseases. Colocasia esculenta grows best in wet soil, but that doesn’t mean you should be planting in straight-up mud. We're always looking to improve our articles to help you become an even better gardener. Once peeled, taro flesh is white or pink and has a sweet, nutty taste. Instead, choose a soil with plenty of humus. The taro plant grows from 3 to 6 feet tall. Variegated varieties mix these colors in numerous patterns. Method: 1) Combine all ingredients (except dried coconut) together in a deep pot and cook on medium-heat until taro is tender. Free radical damage is linked to many chronic conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders (7). Like potatoes, you can plant small tubers or portions of a large one. Intervene as soon as possible with neem oil or copper fungicide. These versatile tubers can be boiled, mashed, fried, or baked. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. When it reaches maturity, the taro leaves will turn yellow and start to die off. Purple yams and taro root look similar, hence the confusion between the two. Hi, I'm Kevin. Chinese yam has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. Some simple ways to get rid of them is to blast the plant with water or apply neem oil. You may want to test your soil beforehand since excess nitrogen can result in frail taro plants. If you’re going to overwinter your plant instead of harvesting it, cut down the leaves and leave the tubers in the ground. Downy mildew looks like yellow or brown dust on the foliage. Furthermore, ube can be processed into a powder that can be used to make vibrantly colored foods, including rice, candy, cakes, desserts, and jams. You can prevent nematode damage by rotating your crops and removing dead plants from the soil. Furthermore, one study in mice found that purple yams had anti-inflammatory effects and decreased symptoms of colitis (36). Purple yams are a good source of antioxidants and vitamins A and C, helping you reach your daily intake levels for these vitamins. Product description. They are tasty and versatile with a vibrant color, making them an exciting ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes.