Everything about Colocasia Esculenta totally explained
Colocasia esculenta is a tropical plant grown primarily for its edible
corm, a
root vegetable known as
Taro. It is believed to be one of the earliest cultivated plants.
Description
Taxonomy
The specific epithet means "edible" in Latin.
Taro is closely related to
Xanthosoma and
Caladium, plants commonly grown as
ornamentals, and like them it's sometimes loosely called
elephant ear.
Distribution and habitat
Taro was probably first native to the lowland
wetlands of
Malaysia (taloes). Estimates are that taro was in cultivation in wet tropical
India before 5000 B.C., presumably coming from Malaysia, and from India further transported westward to ancient
Egypt, where it was described by
Greek and
Roman historians as an important crop.
Uses
Its primary use, however, is the consumption of its edible corm and leaves. In its raw form the plant is toxic due to the presence of
calcium oxalate, although the toxin is destroyed by cooking and the presence of needle-shaped
raphides in the plant cells. However it can be rendered palatable by cooking, or by steeping in cold water overnight.
Corms of the small round variety are
peeled and boiled, sold either
frozen, bagged in its own liquids, or
canned. The leaves are rich in
vitamins and
minerals.
It is also sold an ornamental
aquatic plant.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Colocasia Esculenta'.
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