Colocasia esculenta ,Taro , Alu

 

Scientific Name : Colocasia esculenta, Colocasia esculenta ; English: Taro , Marathi : Alu . It is a rhizomatous plant belonging to the genus Araceae. Originally from Southeast Asia, this plant is now found everywhere in the tropical regions of Africa and Asia. Alu is a perennial plant and its leaves and tubers are considered edible. Alu is considered a medicinal plant. Taro is also called Chamkora/Chamkura in Marathwada. This shrub is a perennial rootstock and its starchy tubers grow underground and along the ground. The central tuber is large in size and is surrounded by smaller tubers of different sizes. This plant is widely cultivated in hot regions for its tuber pulp (starch). Taro tuber is called ‘arvi’.

Description

 

Larger than the middle tuber of Taro, Su. 20-150 cm. The leaves are elongated, umbellate, oval and have a triangular notch at the base. Stem strong, up to 1 m. It is long and grooved at the bottom. The inflorescence is corn type and on the stem of the corn there are female flowers at the bottom, sterile flowers in the middle and male flowers at the top. The flower has 3-5 stamens; Jayang has one capsule containing five spores. The pods are small. Two varieties of the plant are grown, the ‘black’ potato and the ‘white’ potato. ‘Black’ potato for the variety with purple stems and leaf veins; So the variety with green parts is called ‘white’ Taro.

Taro tubers mainly contain 21% carbohydrates, 3% protein and calcium and iron. A, B, C etc. in leaf and stem. Contains vitamins, carotene, calcium and iron. The juice of the tuber is laxative. The leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals are pointed like needles. If this crystal is rubbed on the throat while eating vegetables, it causes sore throat.

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Taro require a lot of water to grow. Taro thrive on sewage. In India, potato leaves and stalks are used for savory dishes. Taroes are used to make Patrode in southern Karnataka and Udupi, Chembila curry in Kerala and Patra in Gujarat. Aluvadi and Alooche Fatfate are famous in Maharashtra.

Benefits of eating Taro Leaves

1. People suffering from high blood pressure should include potato leaves in their diet regularly. It has no fat and is low in sodium. Regular consumption of Taro leaves helps control high blood pressure.

2. If you are suffering from any stomach problems, consumption of Taro leaves can be beneficial for your problems. It also helps in smooth digestion.

3. Alu leaves are useful in keeping the eyes healthy. These leaves are rich in vitamin A which is useful for the eyes. Consuming alum leaves will not only keep your eyes healthy but also strengthen your eye muscles and keep your eyesight good even in old age.

4. Alu is a leafy vegetable that increases the ‘blood’ essential to the body, increases strength and prevents constipation. If the baby is getting less milk, eat a lot of Alu vegetables. Both leaves and stems should be used for vegetables.

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5. Heart supplies blood to other parts of the body. But, when these blood vessels become blocked due to accumulation of fat, blood flow to the body stops. Alu leaves are very beneficial to prevent this. These leaves contain nitrates, which help regulate blood pressure.

6. If you suffer from joint pain, consuming taro leaves daily can be beneficial for your pain. This will give you relief from joint pain.

7. A mixture of juice of Alu leaves and cumin gives good properties on Pitta. In order to reduce the pain when bitten by fleas or other poisonous animals, divide the leaves of Alu and apply the juice to the stomach. Pain is reduced. Cut the stems of potato and tie them in place to break the boils or blisters. Cysts burst.

8. Alu leaves are effective in curing anemia.

Source : Wikipediya 

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Faq –

1 What is the scientific name of Taro ?

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