Here are 4 types of tubers that have been growing in the garden over the last year:
- Oca (Oxalis tuberosa),
- Mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum),
- Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius),
- Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus Tuberosus)
The Oca is Peruvian and Bolivian (image 1) and the tubers are very colorful and roasted they have a taste similar to potatoes
Mashua (image 2) is related to the Nasturtium but also comes with edible tubers as well as salad leaves and lovely sweet flowers later in the growing season
The largest tubers are the Yacon (image 3) plants related to Dahlias and Jerusalem Artichokes. They form large tubers and can grow in challenging growing conditions such as clay laden heavy wet ground but the tubers need to be raised before long periods of frost. The yacon has a taste similar to water chestnut when stored for a few weeks to mature.
And finally Jerusalem Artichokes (image 4) again similar to the Oca is a very good substitute for potatoes and matures in the garden when the potato crop stored earlier in the season is wearing thin. They grow extremely effectively and once in a part of the garden they will be there to feed you forever
All of these tubers are new developments for us in the garden in our quest to become more self-sufficient and the healthy nutritious foods that can be prepared with them are endless! I would encourage you all to try them if you have a small shady corner or part of the garden free