Trichosanthes root
Trichosanthes japonica

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

A pumpkin family plant.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Japan

How it is used for food

The starchy root, is peeled, cut into slices, soaked in repeated changes of water for five days until they disintegrate, and then mashed to a pulp which is made into steamed cakes. The pulp of the fruit is also eaten.

Edible parts

Root, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ki-karasu uri

Synonyms

Anguina japonica (Regel) Kuntze; Gymnopetalum japonicum Miq.;