Possibly the oldest cultivated plant species on the planet, taro has been a part of the diet of peoples in East Asia and Oceania for 10 000 years or more! So important is it in the Polynesian culture that taro is considered an elder sibling of humankind, and runners for propagation are referred to as “Oha” for children, from the root word “Ohana” for family.

Tubers require peeling and cooking to be edible. They have a pleasant, nutty taste and are very easily digestible – great as a nutritious starchy potato or sweet potato substitute.