Ground pear (yacón)
Ground pear (yacón): Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
Yacon, Smallanthus sonchifolius, is a herbaceous perennial native to the Andes. It belongs to the daisy family, like sunflower and Jerusalem artichoke, but is a distinct species. Its name earth pear refers to the texture and flavour of the edible roots, rather than a relationship with pear trees. In cold regions it is generally treated as an annual crop because of its sensitivity to frost.The above-ground growth is vigorous, with upright stems and large leaves that give the plant substantial volume. Its appearance differs markedly from that of a vegetable with a small rosette close to the soil. Height varies with growing conditions and the length of the season; well-developed plants can exceed a metre and a half. When flowering occurs, small yellow heads reflect its membership of the daisy family. Its main food value nevertheless lies in the underground organs, rather than in the visible flowers or foliage.Several types…
