![\"stewed](\"https:\/\/veganlovlie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/stewed-taro-leaves_03.webp)
<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nNothing speaks home louder than greens prepared the traditional way. Even during my pre-vegan days, what I missed most from the food from back home was neither the meat nor the fish. It was the local greens \u2013 chayote greens, pumpkin greens, garden nightshade greens and my favourite of them all \u2013 taro greens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chayote and pumpkin (when in season) are quite easy to find but I have never come across their greens being sold anywhere outside of Mauritius. The same goes for fresh taro greens. I often buy the roots at my local Asian or Indian store; you have probably seen them in a couple our grocery haul videos (on our YouTube channel). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taro roots make great substitutes for regular potatoes in many preparations like stews and curries<\/a>. They are starchier and make a creamier sauce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The leaves of the taro plant lend themselves to many preparations in different regions and cuisines. Stewed with some light spices, tomatoes and sometimes tamarind is how they are more commonly prepared in Mauritius and how I love them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stewed taro greens are often served with roti<\/a> along with white bean curry<\/a> and rougaille sauce<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The taro plant usually grows along river banks and marshy lands in warm weather. So, by now you might be wondering how I came across them in Canada. I grew them! I did not think they would grow but they did. Sometimes when I buy the roots, a few of them would start the sprout before I have a chance to eat them. So, I decided to just plant them in some soil in a pot and see what happens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I guess the conditions must have somehow been favourable since they grew, nice and strong. And they produced the most beautiful large leaves. During the summer months, I\u2019ve kept them on the balcony and by the beginning of Fall, we had enough leaves for a good meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The variety that I\u2019ve grown is from the white taro roots. They produce leaves and stems (which are also known as corms) of a green colour. The purple variety produces stems of a purplish colour and they are somewhat tougher to cook. In fact both varieties of leaves need to be properly cooked over a long period of time before consuming. This is because taro greens contain a fair amount of calcium oxalate<\/a> which is a naturally occurring pesticide in many plants. They are tiny needle-like crystals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Eating raw or half-cooked taro leaves can cause uncomfortable itching in the mouth and throat. It is therefore important to cook the leaves thoroughly over a long period of time to destroy this substance. When cooked for at least 45 minutes, the taro leaves are perfectly safe for consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stewed taro leaves result in a distinctly creamy silky texture that is really unlike any other greens. The closest in texture to taro greens might probably be spinach if cooked for long enough but nevertheless their taste is quite unmatched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to their nutritional profile, taro leaves are a good source of folate and vitamin C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where to find taro leaves<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You might be able to find taro leaves at some Asian or Caribbean stores depending on regions. So, you may want to have a look if you want to give them a try. Or you can try and grow them from the roots in pots at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taro Leaf Tidbit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a saying in the Mauritian language that says \u201cdilo lor brede sonze<\/em>\u201d which means \u201cwater on the taro leaf\u201d or more precisely referring to the state of being like the taro leaf where water cannot wet it. Due to the nanoscopic structure of the taro leaves, water does not adhere to it. It rolls along the surface like pearls and while doing so, it also cleanses the leaves by removing dirt from it. This self-cleaning capability is also known as the lotus effect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, this expression is often used in a situation where for example someone is experiencing some negative criticism that is mostly inflicted out of spite by someone else. So, this saying serves as a reminder to remain like the taro leaf, that is being unaffected by the situation and be able to rise above it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"stewed](\"https:\/\/veganlovlie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/stewed-taro-leaves_04.webp)
<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWatch the video tutorial for the step by step process on how to prepare the leaves and make this recipe.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n