Family Asteraceae

Also known as “Peruvian ground apple” or “apple of the earth,” yacón is a perennial herb grown for its edible roots and leaves. Cultivated in the Andes from Argentina to Venezuela, the tuberous root resembles the Jerusalem artichoke in appearance but is sweet, crunchy, and fruity, like jicama, with which it is often confused. Yacón root can be eaten raw or partially dried. (Its leaves are traditionally used for medicinal purposes.) It is a good source of fructooligosaccharide (FOS), which nourishes friendly bacteria in the digestive system that aid fat metabolism and vitamin absorption. Yacón has recently begun appearing in farmers’ markets and natural foods stores in the United States, but your best bet for sourcing it is to buy seeds and grow it in your home garden (see www.seedsofchange.com).