Edible Taro Root
 

I am looking for the varieties that are grown for edible taro root. Does anyone know what those varieties are?

Re: Edible Taro Root
 

Ummm..... Malanga, eddoes, others. I have random varieties that I could ship to you if you want me to

Re: Edible Taro Root
 

Do an internet search for the best varieties.
First I grew this plant as in ornamental on the deck because it looks so much like elephant Ears.
The plant loves growing as a bog plant and takes well to very wet conditions. The plant is very well conditioned for a small pond.
The plant is a beast and overwinters well and springs back for more growth the following year.
I grow in pots Malanga.
I Purchased mine at a international market

There are many more varieties to grow.
My understanding is that they taste all the same… Because it is a starchy plant.

Re: Edible Taro Root
 

I got some black malanga but its pretty small yet, wasn't planning to dig up and propagate until later this year. Looks cool, not sure on taste yet

Re: Edible Taro Root
 

Malanga and eddoes are not varieties. Malanga isn't even taro. Taro is Colocasia and is Asian and Malanga is Xanthosoma and is south American. Some taro varieties are dry soil and others need wet. Go to an Asian market and buy taro and plant it. Go to a hispanic market and buy malanga and plant it. If you try hunting true varieties you get misnamed plants or replaced with ornamental. Just buy it direct from the market. My taro and malanga are thriving and produce tons every year. I bought them in the Save A Lot produce section.

Re: Edible Taro Root
 

What does Taro taste like and how is it prepared? Being a tuber im assuming its starchy?

Re: Edible Taro Root
 

I think my local publix may have malanga. Will have to check.

Re: Edible Taro Root
 

I have never tried it but should be easy to grownin our area instead of elephant ears.

Re: Edible Taro Root
 

Do you know how to start it?

Re: Edible Taro Root
 

It will definitely grow well here.. I cant kill my elephant ears.. I pull them like weeds all the time.

Re: Edible Taro Root
 

Just plant in the ground correct?

Re: Edible Taro Root
 

On one end there is a growing point. You can cut that off and plant it or you can plant the whole thing. Sometimes if you cut the top off it rots. Sometimes it works. I guess it depends if you want t eat part of it

Re: Edible Taro Root
 

I have whatever variety of Taro that my local Rowe's IGA sells. I bought them, soaked them for a day, and then just planted them in some dirt. Some failed to sprout, and some didn't. I also did this with white Malanga. As for varieties of Taro, I've had trouble finding them for sale.