Log in

View Full Version : Yacon


momoese
11-14-2011, 03:52 PM
I've been growing Yacon for about 2 years now thanks to Stu. I'm going to harvest some this year so I'm looking at recipes. Please share if you have a good Yacon recipe!

This will be the first thing I make with it. I'll add a little heat to it, probably Habanero. Looks good!

Yacon Pineapple Slaw « The Gardener’s Pantry (http://nicholsgardennursery.wordpress.com/2006/11/29/yacon-pineapple-slaw/)

Edit Some recipes here!
Yacon recipes « The Gardener’s Pantry (http://nicholsgardennursery.wordpress.com/category/yacon-recipes/)

Richard
11-14-2011, 04:53 PM
Use a sweet potato pie recipe.

nullzero
11-14-2011, 06:30 PM
Its popular to boil yacon down to a syrup (which you probably already know). Otherwise, I would use it fresh in juice mixes and salads. Try replacing Jicama with Yacon in dishes, should create a tasty difference.

Most of the harvested Yacon for me gets eaten raw like a carrot.

momoese
11-14-2011, 06:34 PM
Yeah I can buy the syrup here locally but I've always used Agave nectar. I'll probably still try it anyway.

For some reason I want to try it with something spicy, like the fresh coconut served with lime and hot sauce down in Mexico. I'll have to experiment.

lkailburn
11-15-2011, 06:44 PM
I've never personally eaten yacon, but have heard from one person who grows them, he says he loves eating them fresh, sliced thin in a salad ?shrug

-Luke

momoese
11-15-2011, 07:05 PM
I've never personally eaten yacon, but have heard from one person who grows them, he says he loves eating them fresh, sliced thin in a salad ?shrug

-Luke

They are similar to Jicama or apple in texture but more sweet than Jicama so eating them fresh is pleasant!

lkailburn
11-15-2011, 07:34 PM
Yum, sounds delish!

-Luke

bananimal
11-18-2011, 01:12 AM
Mitchel --- where can I get some of them there Yadacon tubers for propagation?

Found this ---------------

Yacon FOS are completely fermented in the colon by
probiotics (Pedreschi et al., 2003), a group of beneficial
bacteria that forms part of the intestinal microflora. These
bacteria (especially some species of the genus Bifidus
and Lactobacillus) contribute to better gastrointestinal
function and help to alleviate several digestive disorders.
Besides, FOS are recognized as a soluble fiber which
causes several favorable effects during digestion:
• an increase of intestinal peristaltic movements
• a reduction in time of intestinal transit
• an increase in the amount of water retained by the
fecal matter
• an osmotic effect similar to a laxative
These effects can prevent and control constipation (Chen
Other favorable health effects have also been associated
with the fermentation of FOS in the colon. These include:
• strengthening the immune system
• higher absorption of calcium by the body
• reduction of cholesterol level
• inhibition of the production of toxins and other
carcinogenic substances in the colon.

Happy colons everyone!

Dalmatiansoap
11-18-2011, 07:03 AM
Yacon, Jicama,...???
What are U guys eating there, I must be living on some another planet:ha::ha::ha:
:nanadrink:

momoese
11-18-2011, 08:06 AM
Mitchel --- where can I get some of them there Yadacon tubers for propagation?

Found this ---------------

Yacon FOS are completely fermented in the colon by
probiotics (Pedreschi et al., 2003), a group of beneficial
bacteria that forms part of the intestinal microflora. These
bacteria (especially some species of the genus Bifidus
and Lactobacillus) contribute to better gastrointestinal
function and help to alleviate several digestive disorders.
Besides, FOS are recognized as a soluble fiber which
causes several favorable effects during digestion:
• an increase of intestinal peristaltic movements
• a reduction in time of intestinal transit
• an increase in the amount of water retained by the
fecal matter
• an osmotic effect similar to a laxative
These effects can prevent and control constipation (Chen
Other favorable health effects have also been associated
with the fermentation of FOS in the colon. These include:
• strengthening the immune system
• higher absorption of calcium by the body
• reduction of cholesterol level
• inhibition of the production of toxins and other
carcinogenic substances in the colon.

Yeah they are a true super food. :08:

Don’t expect to harvest an abundant crop of tubers the first year, because yacon needs time to adjust to local conditions. After that, yields are generally double to triple those of potatoes. As frost approaches in early fall, put some straw around the base of the plants to protect the tubers underneath. After frost has killed the visible part of the plants (but before the ground freezes), gently lift the crowns by loosening the soil around the tubers with a garden fork. Then carefully remove the entire root system from the ground. Snap the tubers off the crowns and let them sweeten by mellowing in the sun for a couple of weeks.

New plants will not grow from the tubers themselves; only the crowns will produce new plants. Store the crowns indoors in peat moss (like dahlias) or loose in tubs (like potatoes) until early spring. Then split apart the sections that have begun to form green buds, and plant each in its own pot.

A root cellar or cool, dry corner of your basement is perfect for storing yacon tubers until you’re ready to eat them. Because yacon stores so well, you can enjoy the fruits of your labors for up to eight months after the harvest.

sunfish
11-18-2011, 08:29 AM
Mitchel --- where can I get some of them there Yadacon tubers for propagation?

Found this ---------------

Yacon FOS are completely fermented in the colon by
probiotics (Pedreschi et al., 2003), a group of beneficial
bacteria that forms part of the intestinal microflora. These
bacteria (especially some species of the genus Bifidus
and Lactobacillus) contribute to better gastrointestinal
function and help to alleviate several digestive disorders.
Besides, FOS are recognized as a soluble fiber which
causes several favorable effects during digestion:
• an increase of intestinal peristaltic movements
• a reduction in time of intestinal transit
• an increase in the amount of water retained by the
fecal matter
• an osmotic effect similar to a laxative
These effects can prevent and control constipation (Chen
Other favorable health effects have also been associated
with the fermentation of FOS in the colon. These include:
• strengthening the immune system
• higher absorption of calcium by the body
• reduction of cholesterol level
• inhibition of the production of toxins and other
carcinogenic substances in the colon.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=buy%20yacon%20tubers&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CFcQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nevermorefarm.com%2F%3Fpage_id%3D232&ei=cVzGTvLNJ6OOiAKcp73HDw&usg=AFQjCNEX8JvEQaMHkSolhS6fKTGKgCFiuQ&cad=rja

momoese
11-18-2011, 08:44 AM
It's probably just a matter of time until M tries to patent it. Grow it while you can!

momoese
11-18-2011, 09:58 AM
Yacon, Jicama,...???
What are U guys eating there, I must be living on some another planet:ha::ha::ha:
:nanadrink:

Ante, you gotta get some seeds and grow this stuff! You might find a good market for the tubers over there!

sunfish
11-18-2011, 10:06 AM
Shakeology Ingredients -- Yacon - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RX6eOFmbANs&feature=related)

momoese
11-18-2011, 10:11 AM
A UK site that sells Yacon and OCA. I'd like to try that too.

Vegetable Seeds : Unusual Tubers: Oca, Ulluco etc (http://www.realseeds.co.uk/unusualtubers.html)

sunfish
11-18-2011, 10:26 AM
http://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=CPUyFqnjGTs-gKYfoiALFr-iQC_mc9IQC4fa8nx-po_qxawgCEAFgyQbIAQeqBAxP0JwJSZ4vcVETr8G6BRMIsbLn9b7ArAIVJ2VCCh3 9LNv3wAUF&sig=AOD64_3ocvBX0NP0SGEBki8oJH3gUsUqsQ&ctype=5&ved=0CB8Q9A44Cg&adurl=http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-117182-37290-0/2%3Fipn%3Dpsmain%26icep_vectorid%3D324272%26mtid%3D1588%26kwid%3 D1%26crlp%3D8301554649_324272%26icep_item_id%3D160678194680%26it emid%3D160678194680%26icep_meta_categ_id%3D11700%26icep_etrs%3DY %26icep_epid%3D-999%26icep_ctlg%3D-999%26icep_cond%3DUsed%26targetid%3D28827357609%26rpc%3D0.92%26r pc_upld_id%3D15739%26adtype%3Dpla&rct=j&q=yacon%20tubers%20for%20sale&cad=rja

momoese
11-18-2011, 10:53 AM
http://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=CPUyFqnjGTs-gKYfoiALFr-iQC_mc9IQC4fa8nx-po_qxawgCEAFgyQbIAQeqBAxP0JwJSZ4vcVETr8G6BRMIsbLn9b7ArAIVJ2VCCh3 9LNv3wAUF&sig=AOD64_3ocvBX0NP0SGEBki8oJH3gUsUqsQ&ctype=5&ved=0CB8Q9A44Cg&adurl=http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-117182-37290-0/2%3Fipn%3Dpsmain%26icep_vectorid%3D324272%26mtid%3D1588%26kwid%3 D1%26crlp%3D8301554649_324272%26icep_item_id%3D160678194680%26it emid%3D160678194680%26icep_meta_categ_id%3D11700%26icep_etrs%3DY %26icep_epid%3D-999%26icep_ctlg%3D-999%26icep_cond%3DUsed%26targetid%3D28827357609%26rpc%3D0.92%26r pc_upld_id%3D15739%26adtype%3Dpla&rct=j&q=yacon%20tubers%20for%20sale&cad=rja

The only one on ebay and $25. I have a goldmine in my garden! :ha:

Richard
11-18-2011, 11:40 AM
I stock Yacon plants year-round. They are definitely a great food, although the "super food" title is a bit overblown. I mean that if you were to believe marketers, then 90% of all fruits and vegetables are super foods.

momoese
11-18-2011, 11:58 AM
I'll start with these Red Oca! Maybe next year try another color.

Oxalis tuberosa RED oca **RARE and delicious root vegetable** EASY on west coast | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290626338982)

nullzero
11-18-2011, 12:36 PM
I am growing Yacon, (5) varieties of Oca, and 1 variety of Ulluco. So far all the plants are doing well, most don't like the dry heat in the summer. I try to put them in micro climates. Nice thing about these crops is they are very adaptable to growing with minimal inputs.

momoese
11-18-2011, 12:43 PM
I am growing Yacon, (5) varieties of Oca, and 1 variety of Ulluco. So far all the plants are doing well, most don't like the dry heat in the summer. I try to put them in micro climates. Nice thing about these crops is they are very adaptable to growing with minimal inputs.

Thanks for the info. Do you have purple Oca?

nullzero
11-18-2011, 12:59 PM
Growing pink, red, and yellow varieties.

Richard
11-18-2011, 02:44 PM
Thanks for the info. Do you have purple Oca?

Check the with the plant sellers at the Santa Monica Farmer's Market. One of them carries it seasonally.

nullzero
11-18-2011, 02:58 PM
Check the with the plant sellers at the Santa Monica Farmer's Market. One of them carries it seasonally.

Cool did not know they had plant sellers at the farmers market in Santa Monica. Will now need to head out there and check it out sometime.

momoese
11-18-2011, 03:51 PM
Cool did not know they had plant sellers at the farmers market in Santa Monica. Will now need to head out there and check it out sometime.

The one at Arizona and 3rd has lots of plants, and Wednesday's market is much bigger than Saturday.

momoese
12-24-2011, 01:38 AM
It's harvest time this week!

momoese
04-22-2012, 05:54 PM
Well just a little late harvesting which created some bursting on a few tubers but quite a nice harvest for a plant grown in a 15 gallon container! The flavor is nice and sweet with a nice crunchy snap and no fiber to speak of. I'm very happy with it!

Thanks for hooking me up with this plant Stu, you rock buddy!

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m161/momoese/yacon_harvest_2012.jpg

momoese
04-22-2012, 07:20 PM
Next years plants potted up.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m161/momoese/2012-04-22163455.jpg

momoese
04-25-2012, 12:13 PM
So far every friend and neighbor that has tried it loves it. :)

nullzero
04-25-2012, 12:33 PM
momoese,

Same response here, everyone who has tried it has loved it or found it agreeable.

venturabananas
06-10-2012, 10:28 PM
Mitchel, in your climate, when do you think the ideal harvesting time would be to avoid the bursting of tubers?

PS -- Thanks for the Yacon plant!

momoese
06-10-2012, 10:40 PM
In the right climate it's after the first frost when the plant turns brown and shrivels to nothing, but we usually don't have that so just pick the coldest day and then harvest a week or so after that. That should work.

Oh and you are welcome! Hope it works good for ya!

momoese
01-19-2013, 07:43 PM
Harvested the 2013 Yacon crop today. Not the harvest I was hoping for, but considering the plant spent most of it's life under the canopy of banana plants I can't complain. About 8 pounds of tubers and tons of growing points (not pictured)

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m161/momoese/_DSC0454.jpg

Dalmatiansoap
01-20-2013, 11:39 AM
How hardy is the vine?

momoese
01-20-2013, 12:36 PM
How hardy is the vine?

It's in the sunflower family, not a vine. It get's knocked down with a light frost but that same frost helps to make the tubers sweeter!

bananimal
01-21-2013, 08:09 AM
More info on the Andean Sunroot, polymnia sonchifolia.

Yacon* (Polymnia sonchifolia) potted plant, organic (http://www.horizonherbs.com/product.asp?specific=1009)