Yacon
Smallanthus sonchifolius

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A herb. There is an underground stem which lasts from year to year and this produces stems above ground each year. The roots are purple but orange inside. The tall stems above ground are covered with fine hairs. The stems are green in colour and covered with purple spots. The stems can be 1.5 m high. The leaves are opposite, thin and smooth with teeth along the edge. Other stems come from the axils of the lower stems. The yellow or orange flowers are on the ends of these stems. They are composite flowers. The tubers are cylinder shaped and joined together.

It has high oligofructose content. The leaves contain anti-oxidants.

Where it is found

It grows in the tropical and subtropical Andes. It is mostly between 900-2,750 m altitude. They can grow up to 3,300 m altitude. It can develop under short and long daylengths. It needs temperatures above 4-5°C. It needs deep rich, well drained soils. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes (country/location of origin), Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Britain, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Europe, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, North America, Peru (country/location of origin), Philippines, SE Asia, South America, Taiwan, Tasmania, USA, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The roots are sweet and often eaten raw. Before this they are left for several days in the sun to allow the skin to shrivel. They can be sliced and added to salads. The grated pulp can be squeezed through a cloth to make a drink. The juice can be concentrated to blocks of sugar. They can also be cooked. The main stem is also eaten as a vegetable. The leaves are also eaten.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.

Edible parts

Tubers, leaves, root, juice, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants are grown from offsets or slips. Sections about 10-20 cm long are taken from the base of the main stem. Often these have roots attached. They are planted throughout the year as long as there is enough moisture. Earth is mounded up once around the plants.

The crop takes 7 months to mature. Tubers will store in a dark place for several months. A tuber can be 200 cm long, 3-10 cm wide and weigh 2 kg.

Its other names

Local names

Arboloco, Aricoma, Aricuma, Bolivian sunroot, Llacon, Jiquima, Jiquimilla, Leafcup yacon, Strawberry jicama

Synonyms

Helianthus esculentus Warsz. ex Otto & Dietr.; Polymnia sonchifolia Poepp. & Endl.; Polymnia edulis Wedd.;