At Sharanyam, we plant many varieties of tuber crops. As a mixed planting method is followed in the garden (to avoid the need for pesticides), sometimes, after harvest, a few tubers get left behind in the soil. As soon as they get a summer shower or two, they show their presence by putting our tender shoots or blooms. Here is the flower from an elephant foot yam, which I found today while weeding the garden. Though its beauty makes it difficult to chop up, it is just the thing for a delicious, fragrant, well-cooked stir-fry!
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We do come across a few surprise sprouts with the early showers… but those do not show in such striking hues… may be, the altitude and richness of soil must be favourable. But one could hardly bear the odour ! Keep drawing surprises dear Giridhar !
Thank you so much, dear Raviatta! Before it blooms, it has no odor at all. If you wait till it blooms, it’ll emit a foul smell like that of putrifying meat, so it needs to be plucked before it starts to bloom. When cooked, it has an appetizing fragrance, and a heavenly taste! Elephant foot yam is traditionally known for its anti-carcinogenic properties as well.