From the lands of the Himalayas and the family of Dioscoriace tubers comes a nutrient-dense vegetable that goes by the name of Taradi. A very slender vine thriving in wild forests of the mid-hill region of the Western Himalayas, these underground tubers have remained unnoticed by botanists. Harvested around February and ready by May, the tubers are brittle milky white, and a little slimy from inside. They are crisp and taste starchy when eaten raw. Learn about this super nutritious root vegetable and an easy recipe in this read.

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The Taradi Plant

From an economic viewpoint, a rare, nutritious important food plant, taradi tubers are sold in local markets and sometimes at city vegetable marts. The edible portion of the vine is the underground flattened tuberous root. As the tubers tend to go deep into the soil, it is laborious to dig them. The slender vines with heart-shaped leaves climb on trees and are about 5 mm thick. They prefer shady locations and thrive in loose soil, shed leaves during winter, stay dormant, and grow around April-May. Taradi bears small round, fruit-like structures called ‘tardoloo’ in the local dialect. Its fruits however are not real fruits. When these structures are planted in the soil, fresh vines arrive from them. That is how fresh new plants of this tuber can be raised.

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Health Benefits Of Taradi Tuber

All tuber vegetables including taradi offer a plethora of health benefits. Here are some of them:

Aids Digestive Health

The fiber content in taradi supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements, preventing constipation, and supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. It also aids healthy weight and reduces the risk of colon cancer.

Boosts Immunity

A strong immune system is essential for fighting off infections and illnesses. Taradi tuber contains various antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system by neutralizing harmful free radicals from the body.

Upkeeps Eye Health

Tuber vegetables contain essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Taradi is loaded with beta-carotene which is vital for vision and immune function. The tuber provides fiber, Vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins.

Regulates Blood Sugar

Contrary to popular belief, tuber vegetables can be part of a healthy diet for people with diabetes if consumed in moderation. The fibre in tuber vegetables including taradi helps to regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.

Maintains Heart Health

Taradi is a good source of potassium, a mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Adequate potassium intake can help relax blood vessel walls and lower blood pressure. The fiber and antioxidants in tuber vegetables contribute to heart health and reduce the risk of heart ailments.

Provides Cognitive Support

This nutrient-packed root vegetable could contribute to maintaining optimal brain health. Rich in vitamins, and minerals, taradi can aid in enhancing brain function and improve cognitive abilities.

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In conclusion, incorporating a variety of tuber vegetables into your diet can provide a range of health benefits, supporting overall well-being and longevity. However, it is essential to consume them in moderation and prepare them in healthy ways, such as baking, steaming, or boiling to maximize their nutritional value. Like other root veggies, a variety of traditional dishes can be prepared from taradi tubers, or they can be pickled to preserve for the off-season. For now, to make a delicious vegetable curry recipe, here is how you can do it:

Taradi Curry

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 tbsp mustard oil
  • 1 kilogram taradi tuber
  • 1 tbsp coriander powder
  • 1 tbsp fenugreek powder
  • ½ tbsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 3 red chillies
  • 2-3 medium-sized chopped onions
  • 4-5 cloves of ginger and garlic each
  • 1 bunch of chopped green coriander leaves
  • Salt to taste

Method

  • Boil the tubers until they get soft
  • Peel the skin and cut it into small pieces
  • In a pan fry the onion in oil
  • Add cumin seeds and let it crackle followed by other spices
  • Add ginger and garlic followed by taradi
  • Add a little water and let it simmer until cooked
  • Once soft, garnish the recipe with chopped coriander leaves
  • Serve with chapatis

Nutrition

A super delicious crunchy curry will give you a powerful dose of nutrition to keep your digestion, vision, and heart in good health. Next time you come across this exotic slender tuber, do try a recipe or a roasted snack. we bet you would love it.

References:

  1. The Dioscorea Genus (Yam)—An Appraisal of Nutritional and Therapeutic Potentials

National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Km 8 Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road, P.M.B 7006 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7555206/

  1. https://carnegiemnh.org/potatoes-sweet-potatoes-yams-whats-difference/