Which regions are the main production areas of yacon?
Yacon, also known as snow lotus potato, crystal potato, Jerusalem artichoke, divine fruit, ground ginseng fruit, etc., is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Smallanthus in the Asteraceae family. Its tuberous roots are rich in water and fructooligosaccharides, taste both sweet and crisp, and can also be eaten as a fruit. Experts have found that yacon has very strong medicinal value. Let's take a look below at where yacon's production areas are!
Where are yacon's production areas?
Yacon originated in the Andes Mountains of South America and is a traditional root food of the local Indigenous peoples, with a history of 500 years. Residents of the Andes Mountains cultivated 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 production environment of yacon
Yacon is particularly suited to growing on sandy soil at an altitude of 1000-2300 m. It likes sunlight and moist soil. Its growth period is about 200-plus days, and its optimum growth temperature is 20-30°C. Growth stops below 15°C. It is not cold-tolerant, and its stems die when exposed to frost.
The edible benefits of yacon
1. Yacon can aid digestion, regulate and improve poor conditions of the digestive system. Because yacon is rich in water-soluble dietary fiber and has the highest fructooligosaccharide content of all plants, it can significantly promote gastrointestinal peristalsis and lubricate the intestines to 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, lower blood sugar, blood lipids, and cholesterol, can prevent and treat high blood pressure and diabetes, and also has a certain therapeutic effect 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 preserving beauty. It also contains 20 amino acids and minerals and trace elements such as calcium, iron, potassium, and selenium. Regular consumption can improve the human body's immunity and has the effect of strengthening the body. It is also a natural Viagra for men to enhance yang and improve sexual function.
4. Yacon can resist oxidation and eliminate free radicals, and can reduce or prevent the occurrence of lithiasis.