We're sharing lots of fun things about taro including what is taro, what does taro taste like, and what is taro milk tea. We're also sharing recipes using taro.
Welcome to Four Score Living where we believe you can achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle through 80/20 living - and that includes a balanced diet. Today we’re sharing information on Taro.
What is Taro
Taro (also known as dasheen) is a perennial tuberous plant probably originating is southeast Asia. It is now commonly grown in tropical and subtropical areas around Asia and the Pacific. The world’s largest producer of taro is Nigeria where more than 3 million metric tons are produced every year.
There are many varieties of taro, and it is one of a small number of crops that can be grown in completely flooded fields. Maximum yields are achieved with this method which also helps with pest control. Ornamental varieties are also grown for their large green leaves.
Taro may vary in size and color. Some taro have white flesh while the majority of taro have a purple-flecked flesh.
What does Taro Taste Like
Some people describe taro as being similar to a sweet potato, with it's flesh slightly sweet and slightly nutty.
Others say it doesn't have much of a flavor, or that it reminds them of milk or rice milk.
Depending on how you eat or drink taro, will help determine the flavor profile.
What is Taro Milk Tea
Taro can be eaten cooked a variety of ways or processed into flour and used for baking or thickening. One popular use of taro powder is in taro milk boba tea. While called tea, many milk teas actually do not contain any tea, but some do.
Raw taro is toxic due to high levels of calcium oxalate, but it is perfectly safe when properly processed. The flesh of the taro tuber ranges from light gray to lavender and is a little sweet. The Polynesian staple poi is made from cooked and pounded starchy vegetables, often taro is used and gives it a distinct purple color.
Taro can also be used in many of the same ways potatoes are used. Taro chips make a tasty, crunchy snack.
Is Taro good for you?
Nutritionally, taro may be a better source of carbs than potatoes. It has a higher proportion of fiber and is a good source of many vitamins and minerals.
Taro is also a good source of resistant starch, a type of starch that humans cannot digest but passes through the small intestine to the colon where it provides an important food source for gut friendly bacteria.
These bacteria convert the resistant starch to butyrate with feeds the cells that line your colon. Studies have shown that resistant starch can help improve insulin sensitivity.
Taro Recipes
Taro with Coconut Milk - A simple recipe that uses only 4 ingredients! This taro with coconut milk is flavorful and delicious.
Crispy Taro Fritters - These crispy taro fritters are gluten free and vegan and they are perfect as an appetizer or as a main dish. This recipe is simple to make and uses minimal ingredients.
Taro Root Dumplings - Mashed taro root filled with meat and veggies, makes this taro root dumplings super tasty.
Taro Root Cake - A fluffy, crispy dim sum that is full of flavor and filling.
Taro Root Salad - With only 8 ingredients, this taro root salad is filling and flavorful. It reminds me of a Greek salad, but with shaved taro root.
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