WHAT? You can eat Elephant Ear?

Taro is considered the oldest food crop, with evidence of cultivation much earlier than other major crops like rice and wheat. As with many other ancient crops, including peas, lentils, chickpeas, and barley, are believed to have originated in this area of the Middle East.

Taro is incredibly versatile. The corm (the root) can be cooked in various ways – boiled, baked, fried, or steamed. It’s used in dishes like poi in Hawaii, taro chips, and even desserts. The leaves and stems are also edible and used in dishes like callaloo in the Caribbean.  Callaloo is a dish similar to stir-fried spinach with added onions, garlic, pumpkin, and peppers and coconut cream. 

Taro is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also low in fat and sodium. However, it’s important to note that raw Taro contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation. Cooking breaks down these crystals, making taro safe to eat.

Taro/elephant ear can also help improve soil health and prevent erosion. In some traditional agricultural systems, particularly in wetland environments, taro fields can act as natural sediment traps. The embankments and water management practices in these systems can help to slow down water flow, and trap eroded soil, preventing it from reaching and harming sensitive ecosystems like coral reefs. When grown as a dense crop, Taro can provide good ground cover, reducing the impact of raindrops on bare soil and minimizing surface runoff, which can lead to erosion.

How to grow your own sustainable vegetable

In the ground: Taro thrives in moist, well-draining soil. Choose a spot that receives dappled shade and is protected from the harsh afternoon sun.

In pots: If you have limited space or live in a cooler climate, you can grow taro in large pots (at least 50-60cm deep and wide). Make sure the pot has drainage holes.

1. Prepare the Soil:

• Rich and moist: Taro needs soil that’s rich in organic matter and retains moisture. Amend your soil with compost or aged manure.
• Slightly acidic: Taro prefers a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

2. Plant the Taro:

• Corms or shoots: You can grow taro from corms (the root itself) or from shoots that sprout from the corm.
• Spacing: Plant Taro corms or shoots about 60-90cm apart in the ground, or one per pot.
• Depth: Plant the corms about 5cm deep, with the shoots pointing upwards. Cover with soil and water well.

3. Water and Care:

• Consistent moisture: Taro needs consistent watering, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
• Mulch: Apply mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Fertilize: Taro benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer or organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

4. Harvest:

• When to harvest: Taro is usually ready to harvest 6-9 months after planting, when the leaves start to turn yellow and die back.
• How to harvest: Carefully dig up the corms using a garden fork.
  

  Taro Fries

Taro is a fantastic crop to grow in your garden. Not only is it visually appealing, but it also helps stabilize the soil. Considering concerns about food security, food prices, and food quality, Taro can be a sustainable addition to your backyard garden.