Taro: Garden Miracles From Taiwan
Taro is a 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. The general nutrition of a cup of taro is as follows:
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Nutrition FactsTaro leaves, raw
Taro leaves, steamed
Taro, cooked
Taro, raw
Taro, rawAmount Per
100 grams
1 cup, sliced (104 g)Calories 117 -
% Daily Value* Total Fat 0.2 g 0% Saturated fat 0 g 0% Polyunsaturated fat 0.1 g Monounsaturated fat 0 g Cholesterol 0 mg 0% Sodium 11 mg 0% Potassium 615 mg 17% Total Carbohydrate 28 g 9% Dietary fiber 4.3 g 17% Sugar 0.4 g Protein 1.6 g 3% Vitamin A 1% Vitamin C 7% Calcium 4% Iron 3% Vitamin D 0% Vitamin B-6 15% Vitamin B-12 0% Magnesium 8% *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Notice the high amount of Potassium and fiber in each cup. What a powerhouse of Potassium! The fiber content is high! That is 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. Its 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 lifetime.
https://mabeltan.wordpress.com/2014/05/27/recipe-taiwanese-taro-balls/
Another favorite Taiwanese recipe is for Mooncakes. The lines at the morning market were long for mooncakes! A good sign of their popularity. I love Mooncakes and they are not hard to make. All the ingredients are easily found in any major grocery store. Mooncakes 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 Mooncakes 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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Published on steemit.com@exploretraveler on April 18, 2017, at:
https://steemit.com/travel/@exploretraveler/taro-garden-miracles-from-taiwan
