Description
Ullucus tuberosus
Of course we’ve heard of potatoes but what about the second most important root crop of the Andes in South America? That’s Ulluco (pronounced oo-YOO-ko), or Earth Gems, so called in English as they are glistening shiny coloured delights!
Ulluco have apparently been grown for over 4000 years in their native countries (Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina). Hailing from mountainous regions, they grow better here in cooler areas, with a maximum daytime temperature of 25 degrees, and regular moisture. In warm regions plant where they will receive afternoon shade, otherwise full sun is perfect. Average garden soil is fine, they do not have high fertiliser requirements. The plants grow 20-30 cm high then start sprawling on the ground to a diameter of a metre. Wherever they touch down they will form tubers underground, however as they are day-sensitive this doesn’t begin to happen until after the Autumn equinox. Tubers will keep forming until the plants get frosted.
Tubers can be harvested by hand or fork. They are smaller than potatoes, and have a waxy, firmer texture, and an earthy flavour like a cross between a potato and a beetroot, with perhaps a hint of yam. Ulluco is a good source of carbohydrate, and is more than twice as high in vitamin C as potato. It is also very high in antioxidants – just look at those colours! The tubers can be eaten raw, with a mucilaginous texture like okra; this disappears with cooking. Use the cooked tubers in soups, stews or roasted, or treat them like a winter version of new potatoes – boil and serve with butter, salt and pepper.
This fascinating root vegetable also has edible leaves – now you can’t say that about the potato! It is a member of the family Basellaceae, so it’s leaves are reminiscent of its cousin Malabar Spinach, and can be used like regular spinach, raw or cooked.
Certified organic plant in 9cm pot.
Freight: We can send up to 9 plants this size (in 9cm pots) for the same freight price or they can be combined with other grades but this will incur higher freight costs.
More details of freight and packing charges here
Photos: Kahikatea Farm; File:Ulluco.jpg – Wikimedia Commons
