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The taro vegetable grows in wet soils, which has a starchy corm that is broadly used as food. Native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, it is cultivated in many tropical regions worldwide. Taro's leaves and stalks can be used as food, while its corms are diverse edible products, such as pudding, cake, and ice cream. It is rich in dietary fibers, potassium, vitamins, and antioxidants and has various health benefits, including improving heart health, digestion, and skin health.
Generally, Taro can be divided into two types according to their colors and features.
Dasheen:
Dasheen taro has a light brown or grayish skin color with white or pale yellow flesh, which is somewhat similar to potato flesh. Dasheen usually grows in soaking wet places and is the most popular edible taro vegetable. It has a starchy texture and is used widely in savory dishes. Besides, it is usually made into chips and then sold to customers as snacks. The leaves and stems of Dasheen taro are also edible and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Eddoe taro has a hairy outer surface and a slightly sweet flavor. Unlike Dasheen, Eddoe has a more rounder shape and smaller sizes, which are closer to the size of a marble or golf ball. Eddoe taro prefers to grow in drier soils containing more sands. It can also be boiled, roasted, or fried, and its flavor is somewhat similar to that of potatoes. Moreover, Eddoe taro can be used to make soups and stews. Because of the small size and roundness, Eddoe is often used as an ingredient in stews and curries.
In addition, according to the growing environment, Taro can be divided into two categories: Taro grown in wet environments and Taro grown in dry environments.
/Dryland taro grows in dryland or farmland places, which is also called field taro. It is cultivated in fields with sufficient irrigation and adequate farmland. Field taro mainly relies upon rainfall and irrigation systems for growth and development. Compared with field taro, wetland taro has a more sweet flavor and softer flesh. In recent years, field taro has gained lots of popularity due to its distinct taste and nutritional value.
It is worth noting that some Taro vegetables, like purple Taro, which is popular in Asian markets, don't have specific defining features of wetlands or drylands. Purple taro also has a purple or lavender inner color that is closer to potatoes and yams. Because of their colorful appearance, many people want to purchase purple Taro vegetables.
Due to their many applications in the food and cosmetic industries, Taro veggies have a significant market worth. The global market value of Taro veggies is estimated to be approximately 284 million dollars as of July 2023. The valuation is projected to reach 337 million dollars, increasing at a CAGR of 10.7% from 2023 to 2030. The market value of Taro veggies demonstrates an enormous opportunity for business owners to invest in Taro veggie cultivation and commercialization.
Many countries cultivate Taro veggies, contributing to their market value. As of July 2023, the USA emerged as one of the powerful countries cultivating Taro veggies. It accounted for approximately 22% of the total global share. The market share was mainly driven by the demand for Taro veggies in the food and cosmetics industries. Other countries, such as China, India, Philippines, and Thailand, are also significant Taro veggie cultivation countries.
It is essential to adhere to proper cultivation and harvesting methods for Taro veggies to ensure their quality and yield. Farmers should carefully choose Taro veggie varieties according to their desired traits and climate conditions. Appropriate soil preparation and planting techniques should be employed to create optimal growing conditions for Taro. Regular monitoring of health and growth, along with timely pest and disease management, is crucial for maintaining Taro veggie quality.
Once Taro veggies are ready for harvest, gentle harvesting methods should be practiced to prevent damage to the tubers. Cleaning and grading of harvested Taro should be done with care, and proper storage and transportation methods should be followed to preserve their quality until they reach the final consumers or processing facilities.
The popular applications of Taro veggie in different industries are discussed below.
Food and beverage industries are widely using the Taro root veggie. In the culinary world, the versatile nature of Taro has led to numerous applications. In Asian culture, Taro is widely used to make distinct desserts and pastries. Taro cakes, Taro pudding, and Taro mochi are just a few of the delicacies that highlight the unique taste of Taro.
Finance industries use Taro roots for profit-making purposes. In the food industry, Taro is used as an ingredient in high-end culinary establishments. Gourmet restaurants and bakeries utilize Taro roots to add distinctive flavors and vibrant colors to their dishes. Common applications include Taro root puree, which is used in sauces for desserts, ice cream flavors, Taro-flavored pastries, and Taro cheesecake.
The beauty industries also use Taro root extracts in skin moisturizers and lotions due to their nutritional benefits and Taro's high antioxidant content. These products are marketed to customers who want to improve their skin health and maintain a youthful, glowing complexion. The usage of Taro extract in cosmetics and skincare products represents how the vegetable can be harnessed for its therapeutic qualities, securing its place in the beauty industry.
Health and wellness industries benefit from Taro veggie's nutritious and health benefits. In the health and wellness industry, Taro stands out because of its abundance of fiber and nutritional elements. Markets for health foods provide Taro as a vegetable with many applications. Taro is frequently used to prepare healthy foods, gluten-free products, and dishes for those with dietary restrictions. Taro is used in pizza bases and noodles and as a staple in health food establishments.
Because of its distinct flavor and the vibrant purple hue it contributes to dishes, Taro is in high demand among food production firms. Taro root puree, paste, and powder are frequently made by food manufacturers. These items are then used as ingredients to create instant Taro drinks, Taro-flavored bubble tea, Taro ice cream, Taro cakes, and purple pancakes.
The agriculture industry cultivates Taro roots as a commercial crop. Due to its high economic value, Taro cultivation has become a profitable agricultural model in many countries and regions. Taro farmers use modern agricultural methods to plant Taro on a large scale, exploiting the expanding market demand for Taro both domestically and internationally.
When choosing taro root vegetables, it is vital to inspect them closely. Pay attention to the surface and even pressure on the whole bulb. It should feel firm, with no soft or spongy areas, which could indicate rot. A slight nose is normal for fresh taro, while strong or musty odors mean the vegetable is decaying.
Check for any visible skin damages like cuts, bruises, or blemishes. Damaged taro roots perish faster and are more susceptible to contamination. Do not buy any taro with sprouted or green areas, as they are old and past their prime.
Shop for medium to large taro roots, which are much easier to peel and cook than smaller ones. The size also has a better taste than smaller ones. It's also better to buy whole taro roots rather than pre-peeled ones, as they spoil much faster when peeled. Choose roots with a hairy, fibrous texture, resembling light tan to brownish color. Taro vegetables that look more like potatoes, with smoother skin, can be more difficult to cook and even require special equipment.
Suppose people are looking to store their taros for further use. In that case, it would be better to look for older ones, as older ones have a sweeter flavor and are much more suitable for long-term storage. For immediate cooking, younger taros are more suitable. Shopping for taro vegetables during their peak season would also be beneficial. Taro root is available all year round, but the prices go down considerably when they are in-season.
Those purchasing taro for sale should know the most common varieties, such as Hawaiian taro, which is purple when cooked and is used to make traditional Hawaiian poi. There is also the wetland taro, which is cultivated in large puddles and is considered the most common variety in rural Asian recipes.
Q1: What is taro root good for?
A1: Nutritionally, the benefits of taro include a high-fiber content and low-fat levels. This makes it an excellent root vegetable for those looking to prevent constipation. Aside from this, it is known to promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut and may even help to reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Q2: What is the problem with taro?
A2: Taro faces numerous threats, including economic downturns that impede investment in production and research. Climate change poses significant risks by potentially altering growing conditions detrimental to taro's unique requirements. Additionally, the emergence of resistant pests and diseases challenges effective management strategies, diminishing harvests and quality.
Q3: Does taro need a lot of water?
A3: Taro can be grown in places with low rainfall but thrives in wet areas. It requires a constant supply of water, at least 2.5 cm per week, for healthy growth; soil should always be moist but not soggy. Water management is very important, especially in areas with little rainfall.
Q4: Can people allergic to latex eat taro?
A4: People who have an allergy to latex cannot eat taro. Taro may be a frequent trigger for those allergic to latex. This is because its proteins can be similar to those found in natural rubber latex.