How to Grow Yacon - The Peruvian Ground Apple

We look at how to grow Yacon commonly called the Peruvian Ground Apple. Related to the sunflower they are easy to grow and the tubers are edible. The botanical name is Smallanthus sonchifolius. This is plant best suited to Temperate Zones, USDA Zones 5 - 8 although it can be grown in cooler zones as an annual or overwintered indoors You can grow them in the garden, in smaller spaces they can also be grown in containers or large pots. When harvesting, the fruit or tuber can be eaten fresh, usually after curing, the syrup and powder are used as sweeteners and are said to have health benefits. Yacon is best stored after after harvesting and before eating, some growers sit the tubers in the sun for around 7 days and eat them after that. This increases the sugar content and flavour. They can also be stored in a cool cellar or similar and can last for months if stored properly. Key Moments 00:00 Introduction 00:14 Growing Conditions 00:52 Yacon roots and tuber 01:48 Uses for Yacon tubers 02:32 Origins in the Andes 02:53 How to peel Yacon tubers 03:42 Taste test 03:54 Trimming the Yacon Roots for planting 04:32 When and how to plant Yacon Another root vegetable worth trying is the Jicama.