YACÓN

This member of the sunflower family originates in the Andes mountains of South America. The tasty fruit-like roots of Yacón are deliciously sweet, crisp, juicy and very low in calories. Studies show that Yacón roots stimulate good bacteria in the digestive system when consumed, and the plants encourage beneficial microbe populations in the soil where it’s cultivated. Our white-fleshed Yacón’s flavor is best described as a melding of crisp apples and watermelon with a hint of celery or water chestnuts. The crunchy roots contain high levels of inulin, a dietary fiber which accounts for its sweet flavor and digestive support properties. Enjoy Yacón peeled and sliced fresh with a little lemon juice (to prevent discoloration) in fruit salad or grated in garden salad. When cooked, the roots become tender and tend to readily absorb flavors, which makes it an excellent addition to soups, stews and stir-fries. Hardy to zone 5.

Yacón plants ship March/beginning of April in 3 ½ inch containers. Available only within the contiguous US.