KNOW YOUR ANDEAN ROOT VEGETABLES Part 1: Major Andean Root Crops Before the Spanish conquest, ‘the Inca and the pre-Incan peoples of the Andes developed a unique system ‘of agriculture, as rich as that of any other continent. Although they originated in a ‘tropical region, these crops are grown in the cooler high elevations of the Andes, which makes them suitable for cultivation in temperate lowland climates. All of ‘these plants can be grown as annuals or perennials in frost-free climates. Ullucus tuberosus > Size and shape of new potatoes bh OCA |OH-kuh| > Flavor is similar to beet with a . firmer texture Oxalis tuberosa > Dozens of varieties > Size and shape of fingerling potatoes > Very beautiful tubers in a wide > Flavors range from lemony potato to range of colors és » winter squash > Grows best in maritime climates > Hundreds of varieties > Colors in vivid combinations of red, ‘orange, yellow, purple, and white , POTATO Easy to grow in mild climates Solanum tuberosum « The potato is the only one of the Andean root crops to have e e@ become popular outside of YA CON BD south america (60 far). lyah-CONE| Smallanthus MASHUA sonchifolius |MAH-shoo-uh| > Size and shape of large Tropaeolum baking potatoes tuberosum > Flavor is like a mix of pear and celery > Size and shape of parsnips > Dozens of varieties } Flavors like turnip or radish with an > Tall plants look like sunflowers aniseed or flowery aftertaste > Grows well in temperate to > Dozens of varieties in many colors sub-tropical climates > Vines climb up to ten feet > Easy to grow in mild climates J Cultivariable ; www.cultivariable.comww @ B@ OCA ULLUCO POTATO YACON MASHUA cumare | Seas | Stem’ | cosa | Amreamy | oem SEASON 6+ months 7+ months 4+ months 6+ months 5+ months YIELD 1-2LB 172-1 LB 12-8 LB 3-BLB 1-12 LB SPACING 15 inches 15 inches 15 inches 36 inches 30 inches HEIGHT 2" feet 1" feet 3 feet 6 feet 10+ feet SUGGESTED USES & NUTRITION 0s: <> YACON: Ray, > Substitute for potatoes in almost any recipe > Slice thinly and use raw in salads or with dip > Tubers are generally eaten raw as a fruit > Stems can be used like rhubarb > Leaves can be used asa tart accent > Very low calories > Sugars are mostly indigestible > High in potassium > Very high in vitamin C and iron uLLUCO: Be MASHUA: <#if > Substitute for potatoes in recipes that are GHe not fried > Substitute for turnips, radishes, > Boil and cool, add to salads and potatoes in recipes that are not fried > Add to stews, soups, roast with meat > Makes a tasty dill pickle D> Leaves are also used as a spinach-like green b Leaves are also used as a green > Nutrition and calories similar to potato > Lower calories & higher protein than potato > High in vitamin C and protein > High in vitamin C Cultivariable www.cultivariable.com