High economic returns from growing yacon make it a good project for farmers to increase their income

Growing yacon brings high economic returns

Ge Jixin, at the yacon development base in Wu'an Town, Yuncheng County, Shandong Province, has had bumper harvests of yacon for many consecutive years, with a yield of 2,500 kg per 667 sq m (one mu). At present, this fruit is in extremely short supply at local farmers' markets, with a retail price as high as 8 yuan per kg, and even higher prices in supermarkets and hotels, so income per 667 sq m can reach more than 10,000 yuan. It is reported that yacon originated in Venezuela in South America, is planted in spring and harvested in autumn, and can be grown wherever corn, sweet potatoes or potatoes can be grown. After many years of trial planting in Yuncheng County, it has performed well. The yacon fruit resembles a sweet potato; once the skin is peeled off, it can be eaten as a fruit. Its flesh is crystal clear like jade, sweet, tender and juicy, like a crisp pear. It can not only be eaten raw, but also stir-fried, stewed with meat, made into soup, and so on, with a unique flavor. It can also be processed into fruit tea, jelly, pastries, beverages, canned goods, and more, and is deeply loved by consumers. The whole plant is a treasure: the plant can be used as feed, the flowers and leaves can be made into tea, and the fruit has relatively high nutritional value, with functions of lowering blood lipids and beautifying the skin. Yacon is a low-calorie food, suitable for people with diabetes and those trying to lose weight. It is currently scarce in domestic and overseas markets, with demand exceeding supply, and has broad development prospects. The photo shows Ge Jixin harvesting yacon. (Yinong) Photo report