Where is yacon grown? A complete overview of the latest main producing regions
Yacon is also known as yacon potato, crystal potato, chrysanthemum potato, divine fruit, ground ginseng fruit, etc. It is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Smallanthus in the Asteraceae family. Its tuberous roots contain abundant water and fructooligosaccharides, taste both sweet and crisp, and can also be eaten as a fruit. Experts have found through research that yacon has very strong medicinal value. Let us take a look below at where yacon is grown!
Where is yacon grown?
Yacon originates from the Andes Mountains in South America and is a traditional root food of the local Indians, with a history of 500 years. Residents of the Andes cultivate this plant as a root vegetable for consumption. It was introduced to China in 2008 and was first planted in Yunnan Province, China. It is now introduced and cultivated in Yunnan, Fujian, Hainan, Guizhou, Hunan, Hubei, Shandong, Henan and Hebei in China.
The growing environment of yacon
Yacon is particularly suited to growing on sandy soil at an altitude of 1000-2300 m. It likes sunlight and prefers moist soil. Its growth period is about 200 days, and the optimum growing temperature is 20-30 degC. Below 15 degC, growth stalls. It is not cold-tolerant, and the stems die when exposed to frost.
The edible benefits of yacon
1. Yacon can help digestion and regulate and improve poor conditions of the digestive system. Because yacon is rich in water-soluble dietary fiber and fructooligosaccharides, which are present in the highest content among all plants, it can significantly promote gastrointestinal motility and relieve constipation. It can not only eliminate constipation but also help prevent and treat diarrhea, making it a nemesis of gastrointestinal diseases.
2. Yacon can regulate the blood and can lower blood sugar, blood lipids and cholesterol. It can prevent and treat high blood pressure and diabetes, and also has certain therapeutic effects on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and obesity.
3. Yacon has the effects of clearing the liver and detoxifying, reducing internal heat and lowering blood pressure. It is an effective natural health product for preventing and treating facial acne and dark spots and for beautifying the skin. It also contains 20 kinds of amino acids and minerals and trace elements such as calcium, iron, potassium and selenium. Regular consumption can improve the body's immunity and has the effect of strengthening the body. It is also a natural Viagra for men to strengthen yang and enhance sexual function.
4. Yacon can resist oxidation and eliminate free radicals, and can reduce or avoid the occurrence of lithiasis.