Are taro leaves nutritious?

[Hawnjigs]

Sorry Iju, thinned our bun long since we don't do laulau anymore. Only one left, and not ready to huki(pull) yet. A very vigorous variety more resistant to pests than most Hawn cultivars which should do fine in your pot. I do have one(only) separate start in our banana patch you're welcome to + some poi kalo starts if interested. Free of course, kalo is meant to be shared.

Aloha aina, aloha kai

[Iju]

Thank you Hawnjigs for your advice and offer. I prefer the starchy kind, but I cannot take away your only one bun-long that you have.

Big mahalo for your generous offer.

[bananahead]

Bun-long is seen often along roadways in N.Hilo and Hamakua district areas, especially along the 'old Hwy' above Onomea Bay and Kolekole Park areas, where all the Alexander Palm groves are...
when you can easily ID it while driving, it its seen often on side of the road... its not really a Taro, its just called Chinese Taro
aloha

******************************************************************
save our indigenous and endemic Hawaiian Plants... learn about them, grow them, and plant them on your property, ....instead of all that invasive non-native garbage I see in most yards... aloha

[hikatz]

ukj []
If you are still interested posted a few links on Taro,

http://www.canoeplants.com/kalo.html

http://raygrogan2-ivil.tripod.com/tarogr...t/id9.html I also like to use the pressure cooker for cooking the taro.

[unknownjulie]

Thanks for the links. Yeah, I think I'll give up on the idea of spinach and just eat the Taro. Easier.

[oink]

There are concerns if taro leaves are intended to be a major part of the diet:

http://taro.wikispaces.com/

"Oxalic acid occur in many plants and can exist as free acid ((COOH)2); as water-soluble salts of sodium, ammonium or potassium, or; as insoluble salts of calcium, magnesium and iron. Soluble oxalates are more of a problem then insoluble oxalates, because they are biologically available and can be absorbed in the small intestine. Increased oxalate absorbtion in humans can result in hyperoxaluria (increased oxalate output in urine), which leads to increased risk of kidney stone formation in urine. Absorbed oxalate reaches the kidneys where it forms insoluble calcium oxalate in the urine and eventually precipitates to form kidney stones. There are numerous factors which contributes to the susceptibilty and/or development of nephrolithiasis, genetics being the main determiner (Rinalo & Modi, 2002; Taylor & Curhan 2005).

Increased intake of bioavailable (soluble) oxalates can also reduce the bioavailability and absorption of minerals (Ca, Mg and Fe); both present in the high-oxalate food itself or other foods co-ingested them. This may be a problem, particularly with individuals who have existing gastro-intestinal problems (mineral absorption abnormalities), or have micronutrient deficient diets. Reduction of mineral bioavailability is one of the main fatalities of oxalic acid. Insoluble oxalates on the other hand, passes directly through the digestive tract without being absorbed and are excreted via the faeces (Massey 2003; Savage & Morrison 2003)."

Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.

[pander75]

Taro leaves are great! I've also had the experience of seeing the jungle bugs eat regular spinach and lettuce, to the extent that over the years I've really stopped trying to grow them. I've had MUCH better success with kale, bok choi, okinawan spinach - and to a lesser extent chard and beet greens. There are also several varieties of hibiscus that have edible leaves and are great raw or cooked. One helpful hint that I learned years ago is to interplant cheery tomatoes, green onions or garlic bulbs (which will sprout) with your greens. These plants naturally repel bugs and make growing greens much easier.