Family: Asteraceae

Native to the Ande mountain region, yacón is an ancient food that’s been consumed for 1000s of years. The name yacón translates to ‘water root’ in Inca. It was used to quench thirst during long treks in the days of old.

A relative of sunflowers and silver swords, yacón flowers are similar in appearance. The plant grows to a mid-canopy height in the garden, about 6 feet. It is a perennial – plant once and enjoy the harvests for years afterward.

Plant in moist, compost/mulch mix. Water often, even on the windward side. They dry out fast! About one month after planting a tuber, the stem and leaves will start to grow. Use the leaves like spinach or grape leaves.

Virtually pest-free except for nematodes. Use neem to control.

Harvest after 4 to 7 months. Clues it’s ready to harvest- Look for flowering, dying leaves, and a swelling ground—harvest as needed. Dig into the ground and pull off a few offshoots to consume, leaving some to continue producing tubers. Let the crop dry out for a week or so, they get sweeter after curing. In general, they don’t store well, keep in the ground, and harvest as needed.

They are delicious raw. It’s a sweet, crisp, watery root that tastes somewhat like celery minus the strings crossed with Asian pear. Slow to oxidize, yacón retains its color and crispness after slicing. It is perfect for salads and smoothies! Peeled and cooked, it is excellent in curries and stirfries.

Processed yacon makes a sweet, low-calorie syrup.

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Edible
• Medicinal

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability and elevation range, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized in South America (but no evidence in Hawaiian Islands to date)
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Possesses tuberous roots (a geophyte)
  
• Reaches maturity in <1 year (but seed set is limited or absent)
  
• Dispersed intentionally by people

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or negative impacts outside native range
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Provides fodder for livestock
  
• Cultivated for its edible roots
  
• Limited or absent seed set
  
• Lack of seed production reduces risk of accidental dispersal