The Ultimate Test: Taro Vs Colocasia

The taro and colocasia are two tropical tubers that are often confused with each other due to their similar appearance and growth habits . Both plants belong to the family Araceae but they are not the same species and have some distinct differences . This blog post will provide an in depth comparison of the two plants covering their taxonomy , morphology , cultivation , culinary uses and nutritional value .

Taxonomy

#Taro

The taro is a species of the genus Colocasia and is scientifically known as Colocasia esculenta . It is native to Southeast Asia and has been cultivated for centuries .

#Colocasia

The colocasia is also a species of the genus Colocasia but is known scientifically as Colocasia antiquorum . It is native to India and has also been cultivated for centuries .

Morphology

#Taro

The taro plant has large leaves with long petioles . The leaves can be either green or purple . The corms are edible and are the main part of the plant that is consumed .

#Colocasia

The colocasia plant also has large leaves with long petioles . However , the leaves of the colocasia plant are typically only green . The corms of the colocasia plant are also edible and are the main part of the plant that is consumed .

Cultivation

#Taro

The taro plant is grown in tropical and subtropical regions . It prefers well drained soil and plenty of sunlight . The corms are harvested after about nine months .

#Colocasia

The colocasia plant is also grown in tropical and subtropical regions . It prefers well drained soil and plenty of sunlight . The corms are harvested after about six months .

Culinary Uses

#Taro

The corms of the taro plant can be eaten fresh , boiled , roasted or fried . They can also be used to make flour , starch and other products .

#Colocasia

The corms of the colocasia plant can also be eaten fresh , boiled , roasted or fried . They can also be used to make flour , starch and other products .

Nutritional Value

#Taro

The corms of the taro plant are a good source of carbohydrates , dietary fiber , potassium and vitamin C . They also contain some protein and iron .

#Colocasia

The corms of the colocasia plant are also a good source of carbohydrates , dietary fiber , potassium and vitamin C . They also contain some protein and iron .

Conclusion

The taro and colocasia are two tropical tubers that are often confused with each other . However , they are not the same species and have some distinct differences . This blog post has provided an in depth comparison of the two plants covering their taxonomy , morphology , cultivation , culinary uses and nutritional value .

Frequently Asked Questions

#Q . What is the difference between taro and colocasia ?

#A . The taro and colocasia are two different species of the genus Colocasia . The taro is scientifically known as Colocasia esculenta , while the colocasia is known as Colocasia antiquorum .

#Q . Which plant is native to Southeast Asia ?

#A . The taro plant is native to Southeast Asia .

#Q . Which plant is native to India ?

#A . The colocasia plant is native to India .

#Q . Which plant has leaves that can be either green or purple ?

#A . The taro plant has leaves that can be either green or purple .

#Q . Which plant has leaves that are typically only green ?

#A . The colocasia plant has leaves that are typically only green .

#Q . Which plant is grown for nine months ?

#A . The taro plant is grown for nine months .

#Q . Which plant is grown for six months ?

#A . The colocasia plant is grown for six months .

#Q . Which plant can be eaten fresh , boiled , roasted or fried ?

#A . Both the taro and colocasia plants can be eaten fresh , boiled , roasted or fried .

#Q . Which plant can be used to make flour , starch and other products ?

#A . Both the taro and colocasia plants can be used to make flour , starch and other products .

#Q . Which plant is a good source of carbohydrates , dietary fiber , potassium and vitamin C ?

#A . Both the taro and colocasia plants are good sources of carbohydrates , dietary fiber , potassium and vitamin C .