Taro: Garden Miracles From Taiwan
Taro In The Garden
Taro is an perennial plant that grows as tall as the average person. It has leaves that are heart shaped and large. They are commonly called Elephant Ears. Both the root, which are often 2-4 pounds, and the young leaves are good for food. Taro grows best in warm humid climates. It loves wet marshy conditions.
What awesome nutrition is in a cup of taro. Potassium is an all time powerhouse! 615 mg or 17% of what our body needs for one day in just one cup. Dietary fiber is another all star at 4.3 grams or 17% of our needs for the day. Another winner is Vitamin B-6 that has a healthy 15% of daily needs. There are many other vitamins and minerals in taro, but these three stand at the head of the line. (Based on a 2,000 per day calorie diet.)
Notice just how high the amount of Potassium and fiber that are found in each cup of taro. What a powerhouse of Potassium! The fiber content is high! This combination is very helpful for weight control. There is also a good amount of B Vitamins and Magnesium. In many tropical countries it is the center of the diet. Taro is considered to be one of the first cultivated plants by humans. It’s tubers are an important part of cuisines the world over. In Hawai’i poi is made from the cooked tubers, much like mashed potatoes. The leaves and stems are used for greens. This is a diet stable on the islands. It is the center of every meal. The cooked greens are delicious. What is there not to like about this awesome plant?
So what is so great about this beautiful plant? It comes complete with many health benefits. It is really easy on digestion, has been known to lower blood sugar, and there is evidence to suggest it helps to prevent certain types of cancers. It is known to protect the skin and is a significant boost to vision. It increases circulation and helps to lower blood pressure. It is a valuable aid to the immune system and helps in the prevention of heart disease. It is known to support muscles and aid in nerve health. Taro is a valuable gift from the tropics. Be sure to try some on your next trip to Taiwan.
There are several dishes that are a part of Taiwanese cooking. Taro balls are extremely good and easy to make. Below is a link to a good Taiwanese recipe for Taro Balls. They are well loved by all! Try this simple recipe. You will have a treat of a life time.
https://mabeltan.wordpress.com/2014/05/27/recipe-taiwanese-taro-balls/
Another favorite Taiwanese recipe is for Moon cakes. The lines at morning market were long for mooncakes! A good sign of their popularity. I love Moon cakes and they are not hard to make. All the ingredients are easily found in any major grocery store. Moon cakes are a delicacy in Taiwan! Try them in your home today.
http://the-cooking-of-joy.blogspot.com/2014/09/taiwanese-taro-swirl-mooncakes.html
On your next trip to Taiwan, be sure to enjoy Taro in any way you can. You will find Moon cakes and Taro balls at most any morning market. It is a favorite in Taiwan. Make this the year you try something new! Discover Taiwan! Book an adventure! Explore the many healthy fruits and vegetables that are waiting.
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This article was adapted from an earlier article that was originally published on April 17, 2015 at:
https://exploretraveler.com/taro-garden-miracles-from-taiwan/
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Kitchen ingredients were fresh, fresher if picked from the garden, I like carrots, potatoes and tomatoes
Everything in Taiwan is so fresh.
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