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Recently, among plant growers there has been a growing fashion for exotic vegetables and fruits, which amaze the imagination with their variety of shapes and sizes. One of these plants that is rapidly gaining popularity is yacon. When encountering this vegetable for the first time, people reasonably ask questions about what its peculiarity is and whether it can be grown in temperate latitudes. Fans of unusual garden crops will do well to study in more detail the properties of this amazing plant.
What is yacon vegetable
Yacon, also known as earth apple, is a plant in the Asteraceae family, along with Jerusalem artichoke and sunflower. Yacon originates from the highlands of Latin America, where it was cultivated in ancient times by the Incas tribes because of its remarkable properties. The name “yacon” translated from one of the Indian dialects means “fresh water”. It very accurately describes the main feature of this vegetable, its juiciness, because the tubers of the plant consist of 70% water. Due to this, they were often used by travelers as a source of liquid.By the time the Spanish conquerors arrived, large-scale cultivation of yacon began to decline. And only recently, at the turn of the XX-XXI centuries. interest in this culture began to revive.
Description of the yacon plant
In the Andes, in its historical homeland, and in other countries where weather conditions remain consistently warm for 6 - 7 months a year, yacon reaches 2 - 2.5 m in height. In regions with a cold climate, including Russia, its growth is more compact and does not exceed 1.5 m. Externally, it stands out among other crops with large dark green leaf blades with asymmetrical patterned edges. The petioles of yacon leaves are densely pubescent. The stem of the plant, on the contrary, is smooth and green in color, with characteristic purple splashes in the upper part.
Of particular interest is the root system of yacon. It is formed by rhizomes, on which there are buds that can give life to new plants, and root tubers. The latter form bunches containing several large root crops. Under favorable conditions, 20 - 25 vegetables appear on one plant.
Although yacon is called a ground apple, in appearance this vegetable resembles a cross between a potato and a pear, as in the photo above. It also tastes little like vegetables and combines the fresh flavor of watermelon with the texture of melon and potatoes.
In addition to its unusual appearance and taste, this plant stands out for its unusual set of beneficial properties.
The benefits and harms of yacon
Yacon, like Jerusalem artichoke, is a rich source of polysaccharides. Thus, it contains large amounts of inulin, a natural insulin substitute. It is able to regulate blood glucose levels, which makes yacon an indispensable vegetable in the diet of people suffering from diabetes.In addition, inulin has the properties of binding heavy metals and toxic compounds in cells and safely removing them from the body.
The tubers of the plant have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the stomach and intestines due to their high fiber content. Its coarse fibers suppress the feeling of hunger for a long time and serve as a favorable environment for the growth of beneficial bacteria, while simultaneously limiting the growth of pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, yacon root helps cleanse the body due to its mild laxative properties.
The variety of vitamins and microelements in this healthy vegetable are involved in improving metabolism, preventing various diseases of the cardiovascular system and maintaining stable functioning of the nervous system. And the antioxidants present in the plant resist free radicals in tissue cells, thus slowing down their aging. Yacon juice has similar properties.
The harm of this vegetable to the human body is practically absent. You should completely stop eating plant tubers only in case of individual intolerance to the vegetable, which is extremely rare. People with increased gas production should not overuse yacon - due to the abundance of fiber in it, which only increases the manifestations of flatulence.
Otherwise, this vegetable is absolutely safe for people of all ages and health conditions.
Composition of yacon tubers
The chemical composition of yacon is rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamin C, necessary for immunity, B vitamins, PP, phenol antioxidants, as well as caffeic and chlorogenic acids, which prolong the youth of cells and the body as a whole.
In addition, this vegetable contains selenium, which affects joint flexibility and improves reproductive function. In addition, the tubers of the plant contain phosphorus and potassium, which directly affect the strength of bone tissue.
Such an extensive supply of beneficial properties and the exotic taste of yacon inspires many plant growers to grow it on their site. It is quite possible to do this, you just need to study the features of the agricultural technology of this vegetable.
Growing Yacon
Yacon is considered a fairly unpretentious plant in subtropical latitudes, but its cultivation in central Russia involves certain nuances.
Growing conditions
Despite its tropical origin, this vegetable takes root well in countries with temperate climates, including Russia and Ukraine. However, in these regions, the properties of plant tubers are much less intense. Thus, yacon grown in colder climates has very low insulin content, and other polysaccharides in it are converted into less healthy fructans. Therefore, it is worth taking this feature into account when planting a plant north of 55° N. sh., for example, in the Kirov or Perm regions.
Yacon does not tolerate cold weather well, and therefore at the first frost the entire above-ground part of the plant freezes completely. Vegetable tubers are more frost-resistant, but to prevent their death, special attention should be paid to protecting the soil from freezing. Mulching the plant will help cope with this.
Yacon is not picky about soil quality, but this vegetable grows best in light, fertile, well-fertilized soils. It is recommended to plant the crop on the sunny side, in an area not exposed to drafts.Before the fall, it is advisable to dig up the seat on the bayonet of the shovel. During the same period, you can feed the future plant in the form of a mixture of 1/3 bucket of rotted manure, 1 tbsp. l. potash fertilizers and 1 tbsp. l. superphosphate, spreading it over 1 m2.
Landing
Yacon planting is organized, depending on the growing area, in late April - early June, when the risk of sudden frosts is minimal. Plant the vegetable according to the 60x60cm pattern, adhering to the following recommendations:
- It is necessary that the air temperature during planting reaches the optimal range from +18 °C to +30 °C, and that the soil temperature does not fall below 10 °C.
- The distance separating plants from each other should be at least 75 cm. Excessive thickening of yacon seedlings will negatively affect the volume of the future harvest.
- It is advisable to place the vegetable at a shallow depth of 10 - 15 cm.
- Before moving the plant into the hole and after the procedure is completed, the area is watered abundantly.
Subsequent care for this vegetable does not require much effort and even novice plant growers can do it.
Care
Procedures for maintaining the well-being of the plant usually include watering, loosening, mulching, periodic fertilizing and pest control.
Yacon needs generous watering as its wide leaves quickly evaporate liquid. However, it is important not to overdo it here.Excessive soil moisture makes it difficult for the vegetable to grow and can cause mucous bacteriosis. At the same time, too dry soil causes no less harm to the plant. Since yacon has a powerful root system, it is able to withstand short-term drought, but the lack of moisture immediately affects the plant’s productivity. Therefore, during dry periods, it is recommended to water the vegetable daily with warm, settled water. To avoid sunburn on the plant, it is advisable to water it in clear weather in the morning or 2 - 3 hours before dusk.
To protect the vegetable from temperature fluctuations, mulching should be done. It will create an air layer that will ensure optimal air exchange in the roots of the plant and prevent soil freezing. Sawdust, fallen leaves or peat are suitable as mulch for yacon.
Yacon responds well to various fertilizers, especially potash. Therefore, during the period of active growth of green mass by the plant, the vegetable should be fertilized with potassium, superphosphate, at the rate of 1 tbsp. l. at 1 m2, or Kemira universal, using 5 g of the drug for the same area. During spring loosening of yacon, you can add ammonium nitrate to the soil.
This vegetable does not need weeding at all, since the developed root system of yacon does not allow weeds to gain a foothold in the area.
Although yacon has a fairly high resistance to pests, it is still susceptible to attacks by some common species, including:
- spider mite;
- whitefly;
- wireworm
Timely treatment of plants with insecticides and autumn disinfection of greenhouses will help cope with the invasion of parasitic insects.
Harvesting
In the fall, in September - early October, it is time to harvest yacon. Vegetables are dug up very carefully before frost, trying not to damage their fragile structure. After being removed from the soil, the yacon tubers are carefully separated from the rhizomes and the stems are cut off, leaving 2 - 3 cm of greenery at the very base. On average, from one plant, even in a temperate climate, you can get 2.5 - 3 kg of vegetables.
What significantly distinguishes yacon from other vegetable crops is that its tubers have no taste at the time of harvest. This is explained by the fact that during the growth process, the fructants in their composition do not have time to be converted into fructose, which gives them sweetness. In order for yacon to acquire a sweet, delicate taste, it needs to ripen in the sun or in a warm room for 5 to 12 days. On ripe vegetables, the skin should wrinkle a little. After this, the plant tubers will be completely ready for consumption.
The yacon harvest has good shelf life if stored in containers in a warm room with high humidity levels, such as a cellar or garage. Under favorable conditions, the shelf life of vegetables will be from 8 to 10 months.
How to eat yacon ground apple
The gastronomic properties of yacon provide culinary experts with wide scope for imagination. It is boiled, stewed, baked, fried, and complemented with meat, fish and poultry dishes. Desserts and sweet dishes based on this vegetable are very popular. Yacon is used in the preparation of a variety of syrups, fillings for pastries and jams.From the candied tubers of the plant, you can make sweet candied fruits, which will serve as a healthy alternative to sweets and chocolate.
In its raw form, the vegetable is also quite appetizing. It can be consumed 5 - 7 days after harvesting, if you wash it thoroughly beforehand and peel it from the thin peel.
In addition to the tubers, young shoots of the plant are also edible, which are added to salads or side dishes after heat treatment.
Yacon root for weight loss
Yacon tubers are also valuable for those who are watching their weight or trying to get rid of a few centimeters from the waist. The active compounds of the vegetable not only cleanse the body of toxins, but also reduce the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, which helps burn fat and improve metabolism.
The effect of the vegetable will be much stronger if it was brought from warm regions. The tubers of such a plant have more beneficial properties, but it is not always possible to find them on sale. In this case, yacon root extract is used for weight loss. Recently, this remedy has become increasingly famous due to the benefits it brings to the body, especially if you combine the use of such syrup with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
However, you should not abuse the drug. Unlike tubers, yacon nectar can cause some discomfort to a person if the dosage of the product is exceeded. Exceeding the daily dose of 2 tsp. is fraught with the following symptoms:
- problems with stool;
- flatulence;
- runny nose;
- temporary loss of appetite.
Calorie content of yacon root vegetable
In addition to all the above-mentioned properties, yacon stands out for its low calorie content.It contains no fat at all, and the bulk of the product consists of hard-to-digest carbohydrates. At the same time, the energy value of 100 g of tubers is only 60 kcal, which allows us without a doubt to classify it as a vegetable for dietary nutrition.
Yacon Reproduction
In South America, yacon is propagated mainly by rhizomes and seeds. In cold regions, this approach to growing vegetables does not work, since the plant does not have time to bloom due to the short summer, and as a result does not produce seeds. In such areas, which include most of the territory of Russia, yacon is propagated in other ways, namely:
- buds of rhizomes;
- cuttings.
The first method of plant propagation is the most preferable, as it gives a high chance of germination.
When germinating seedlings from root buds, the material is prepared at the end of January - early February. The yacon propagation procedure is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- The rhizomes of the plant are carefully cut, trying not to injure the buds, and placed in separate containers, the bottom of which is pre-lined with moisture-absorbing material, for example, filter paper.
- Glass or cling film is placed on top of the container to create an impromptu greenhouse.
- In such a greenhouse, high humidity is maintained by regularly spraying the litter with water.
- The seedlings are periodically ventilated so that rotting does not begin in the roots of the plant.
- After 2 weeks, the first young shoots of yacon will appear. After this, the rhizome is cut again so that each new shoot receives one root.Fresh cuts are treated with charcoal: this way, all the nutrients will be used to feed existing seedlings, and not to form new ones.
- For better plant survival, the shoots are moved to pots with a nutrient substrate. The diameter of the container must be at least 30 cm. The substrate is prepared by mixing turf and peat in a ratio of 1:2.
- At the end of the 8th week, the seedlings are placed in open ground, making sure that sudden frosts are not expected.
Conclusion
Yacon is a healthy and tasty vegetable, the characteristics of which have yet to be thoroughly studied. However, now, without much hassle, you can get an impressive harvest of this exotic plant on your site if you pay due attention to it and follow simple care recommendations.
