Andean Tubers

For centuries, many root vegetables common to the Andean region have been cultivated as food staples. Among them are jicama, sweet potato, yam, yuca (cassava), and (especially) the potato, all of which have global importance today and each of which has been given its own chapter. A number of other indigenous Andean roots deserving attention are, to the best of my knowledge, available only in the markets of the Andean countries. Because these intriguing roots, including maca, mashua, mauka, oca, Peruvian parsnips, and yacón, are not seen fresh in North American markets, they have been briefly profiled in Other Roots.