04/02/2025
A sweet-tasting perennial herbaceous plant with slender tuberous roots, yacon thrives well in low frost areas where the temperature is warm and does not require pesticides to protect itself from fungi and insect attacks.
Yacon plant has tall stems, medium to large green leaves, and small bright yellow flowers resembling daisies. It also grows well in subtropical to tropical climates where the soil is well-drained. Moderate watering and full to partial sunlight are ample for this strong tuber vegetable. Both the leaves and tubers of yacon contain bioactive compounds in substantial amounts.
The leaves contain protocatechuic, chlorogenic, caffeic, and ferulic acids which boast several health benefits.
Though yacon is new to the global market owing to its lack of availability and being less popular, this sweet tuber has been considered as a nutrient-dense functional food in many parts of the world.
Crisp and often eaten raw or used in several syrups, salads, and desserts, yacon tuber is more like jicama or other sweet roots. When it comes to yacon benefits for health, there are many due to its high content of fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Yacon has a low glycaemic index and therefore this root veggie is commonly used in a diabetic diet or those watching their sugar intake for other health reasons.
