Yacon

Yacon Smallanthus sonchifolius; pronounced yah-CONE, is a member of the family Asteraceae, a relative of sunflowers. Raw or cooked, the tubers have a flavor often described as a mixture of things like apple, pear, and celery. Above the ground, the plant produces sunflower-like flowers. The root below has two distinct elements: On top is a bunching of reddish rhizomes which look similar to ginger and underneath are brown, edible tubers that look like sweet potatoes. They have a crisp, fresh bite, similar to water chestnuts. Yacon yields starchy, fruit-like roots of different shapes and sizes that are usually consumed raw and taste sweet. The texture is crisp, a bit like an apple. In fact, one of the best features of yacon is that it remains crisp even after being cut or cooked. Yacon tastes great. You can grow yacon without too much difficulty. The high content of FOS in yacon roots is considered to offer health benefits, as it can reduce glycemic index, body weight and the risk of colon cancer. Yacon functional properties, long recognized by folk medicine, have been the subject of a number of research projects and clinical trials. It's often said that the potential of yacon roots can be used as a dietary supplement. Again, we haven't verified this so you should consult your physician prior to eating this as a health product.

Care

Grow Yacon in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Lift the tubers for harvesting in autumn.

Growth Habit

The plant looks generally similar to a sunflower and typically grows 4 to 5 feet tall.

Toxicity

Yacon is not toxic to pets.