The Earth Pear Or Yacon: Overview, Cultivation, And Benefits
In the sweetener aisle, you may have already seen yacon syrup. But do you know the plant from which this sweet syrup is derived? Here's everything you need to know about the characteristics, cultivation, and benefits of yacon or ground pear.
What is the earth pear?
The "earth pear" or "yacon" is an edible tuber native to the Andes in South America. It grows spontaneously in the Andean regions of Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina, Peru, and Colombia at about 2000 meters above sea level.
This tuber, which resembles a sweet potato, belongs to the sunflower and Jerusalem artichoke family. Its botanical name is Smallanthus sonchifolius.
Be careful not to confuse this species with the Jerusalem artichoke, which is sometimes also nicknamed "earth pear." The yacon, however, deserves this nickname because its taste is reminiscent of pears, but unlike this fruit, it grows underground…
How to eat the earth pear?
The earth pear has been consumed in South America for thousands of years, even before the time of the Incas. Unlike the potato, for example, it can be eaten raw after simply peeling it. It can then be sliced thinly or diced or grated to incorporate into a starter or a refreshing fruit salad.
This tuber with a sweet flavor and crunchy texture lends itself to numerous recipes and various cooking methods. It can be sautéed or steamed, incorporated into a vegetable curry, or even prepared in brine as in Eastern European countries.
How to cultivate the earth pear?
Earth pear cultivation does not pose any difficulties. Despite its distant origins, yacon can produce a commercial yield even outside the tropics.
Planting takes place around mid-May, when the risk of frost has passed. It should be noted that this species easily propagates by division of the rootstock in spring. Simply separate and replant the young shoots.
This plant from the sunflower family enjoys full sun exposure and regular watering. To achieve a good harvest, it should be watered weekly.
Yacon is best grown in open ground and tolerates all types of pH, alkaline, neutral, or acidic. It prefers rich, deep, well-drained soil. At planting time, maintain a distance of at least 1.5 meters between each plant, as this species requires a lot of space. The plant usually reaches 1.80 meters in height and 1.20 meters in width.
This edible plant is relatively easy to grow, although it can be attacked by certain insects or diseases. Stay vigilant as Smallanthus sonchifolius is susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and sap-sucking insects like aphids or thrips.
When to harvest ground pears?
This plant blooms around the month of September and produces small yellow flowers. It is advised to harvest its tubers when the foliage is hit by the cold. Always wait until after the first frosts for the taste of the tubers to be even sweeter.
After harvesting, the tubers can be stored for several months without any issues. They do not sprout in the way that potatoes do. Simply brush them off without washing and store them in a dark room, such as a garage or cellar, cool and away from light.
What are the health benefits of the earth pear?
Yacon pears are primarily composed of water and fructo-oligosaccharides. Although they have a sweet taste, these tubers are low in calories.
When consumed raw, they are very hydrating as they contain on average 70% water. That's why yacon pears are often compared to watermelon, though their crunchy texture is more reminiscent of a radish... They are also rich in fibers and minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
From this tuber, a sweetener called yacon syrup is extracted, which has the taste and texture of liquid honey. This sweetening product, very popular at the moment, is favored by doctors and nutritionists due to its nutritional qualities.
With 197 calories per 100 g, this syrup is half as caloric as white sugar. It is also the only sweetener that contains dietary fibers, which promote satiety and have a prebiotic effect beneficial for the intestinal microbiota.
Finally, this sugar alternative has a very low glycemic index, ranging between 1 and 10. It is therefore particularly suitable for people with diabetes or those suffering from fatty liver disease. In summary, yacon can be said to be healthy whether consumed in the form of a tubercule or syrup...
