Taro (2024)

family

Araceae

origin

Native

declaration

Council Pest Vegetation (BCC Natural Asset Local Law)

Council Pest Vegetation (BCC Natural Asset Local Law)

Council Pest Vegetation (BCC Natural Asset Local Law)

Common names

Coco yam, Cocoyam, Dasheen, Eddo, Elephant ears, Elephant's ear, Taro, Wild taro.

A large herbaceous plant growing up to 1 m or more tall that produces tuberous creeping stems. Its very large leaves (17-70 cm long) are heart-shaped and borne on thick, spongy, stalks 30-100 cm long. These upright leaf stalks are joined to the undersides of leaf blades and are usually purplish in naturalised plants. Its elongated flower clusters (6-21 cm long) have green female flowers at the base and yellowish male flowers towards the tip. These clusters are mostly enclosed by a large greenish-yellow or yellow bract 20-35 cm long. Its fruit are small oval berries (3-5 mm long) that turn orange or red as they mature.

Taro (2024)

FAQs

What does taro taste like? ›

What does taro root taste like? Taro root has a light, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor that goes well with the milk, sugar, and black tea used to make milk tea. The taste is comparable to sweet potato but with a lighter flavor profile and subtle vanilla undertones.

What the heck is taro? ›

Taro (Colocasia esculenta), also called eddo or dasheen, is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia that produces a starchy root vegetable with a brown outer skin and a white flesh with purple specks.

What is taro vs ube? ›

The main differences between taro and ube are their origin, the shape and color of their roots, and their flavor and traditional uses. Taro is native to Southeast Asia and has white or light purple roots, while ube (also known as purple yam) is native to the Philippines and has purple roots.

Is taro a yam? ›

Purple yams and taro root look similar, hence the confusion between the two. Nonetheless, when stripped of their skins, they are different colors. Taro is grown from the tropical taro plant and is not one of the nearly 600 types of yams. taro plant, and unlike purple yams, they are not a species of yam.

What is taro in boba? ›

Taro is a plant which derives from Asia, and is found mostly in the tropical regions. Taro roots have a similar texture to sweet potato taste almost neutral. The taro pearl milk tea itself is a mixture of taro powder, green tea, milk creamer and tapioca pearls. One of its characteristics is its light purple color.

Is taro boba healthy? ›

Containing a significant amount of dietary fibre, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins such as Vitamin A, C, E, B6, folate, magnesium, iron, and more, taro is a fantastic supplement to vitamins and minerals that modern diets lack.

Why is taro illegal in Australia? ›

"Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is regarded as an environmental weed in Queensland, New South Wales and south-western Western Australia. This species is of particular concern in south-eastern Queensland and was recently ranked among the 200 most invasive plants in the region.

What tastes similar to taro? ›

Taro and ube are two delicious and nutritious root vegetables that are popular in many Asian cuisines. While they both have a similar taste and are often used in sweet dishes, they differ in texture and nutritional value.

Is taro healthier than potatoes? ›

Taro's tuberous nature makes it still starchy and relatively subtle in its flavor. Compared to other potatoes, however, taro has three times more fiber and plenty of other vitamins as well. To keep your skin happy and healthy, taro encompasses a luxurious source of vitamin A and E for that natural glow.

What do we call taro in English? ›

Definition of 'taro'

1. an aroid plant, Colocasia esculenta, cultivated in the tropics for its large edible rootstock. 2. the rootstock of this plant. Full name: elephant's-ear, dasheen, eddo, Chinese eddo.

Is taro good for you? ›

Nutrition. Taro root is an excellent source of dietary fiber and good carbohydrates, which both improve the function of your digestive system and can contribute to healthy weight loss. Its high levels of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin E also help to maintain a healthy immune system and may eliminate free radicals.

What is taro in Hawaii? ›

Taro in Hawaii

Hawaiian taro, or kalo, comes from the plant family of araceae. It has a rich nutty flavor and is a vegetable root of a light purple hue. Ancient Hawaiians ate taro not only as a nutritional side, but also used it for its healing and medicinal properties.

Which is healthier, yam or taro? ›

Taro is High in Dietary Fibre, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, Potassium and Manganese. Yams are high in fibre and a good source of potassium, which is beneficial in maintaining normal blood pressure.

Why is taro milk tea purple? ›

It has a brown outer skin and white flesh with purple specks throughout, but this isn't where the purple in a Taro Tea comes from. Boba tea shops often add Ube (purple yam) or a lilac food colouring to add sweetness and/or vibrant colour to the otherwise off-white drink.

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