Grow Your Own Superfood This Monsoon: Arbi (Taro Root) Offers Taste and Health

Arbi, also called taro root or colocasia, is a tropical plant that grows well during the monsoon. It is known for its large green leaves and underground tubers. Both the leaves and the roots are used in cooking. Arbi is easy to grow and has many health benefits.

Health Benefits of Arbi

Arbi is rich in dietary fibre, which helps with digestion and keeps the stomach healthy. It has complex carbohydrates and important nutrients like potassium and vitamin C. It also has a low glycemic index, so people with diabetes can eat it. Since arbi is gluten-free, it’s also good for those with gluten allergies.

Best Time and Conditions to Grow Arbi

Arbi grows best in warm weather, between 25°C and 35°C. It needs plenty of sunlight but can grow with some shade. The soil should be loamy, rich in organic matter, and well-drained. Too much water can make the roots rot, but the plant needs regular moisture. It’s a water-loving plant and grows best during the rainy season.

Choosing the Right Variety

There are different types of arbi. Some are grown for the tubers, and some for the leaves. If you want to use the roots in dishes like arbi curry or fritters, choose a tuber-growing variety. If you want to use the leaves in dishes like patra or leaf curry, choose a leaf-growing type.

How to Plant Arbi

Arbi is planted using seed tubers, which are small pieces of healthy taro root with growing points. These are planted about 3 to 4 inches deep in the soil, with the buds facing upwards. Keep a space of 12 to 18 inches between each tuber. If planting in rows, leave 24 inches between rows. You can use dry leaves or straw to cover the soil. This helps hold moisture and stops weeds from growing.

Taking Care of the Plant

Keep the soil moist but not too wet. Use compost or old manure before planting. During the growing months, add more fertiliser every 4 to 6 weeks. Watch out for pests like aphids or mealybugs. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed. To avoid fungal infections, give the plants space to breathe and don’t overwater.

When and How to Harvest

You can start picking the leaves once they grow fully, but leave some on the plant. The tubers are ready to harvest after 7 to 10 months. When the leaves turn yellow and fall off, the roots are ready. Gently dig them out and clean them.

Storage and Use

After harvesting, store the tubers in a cool, dry place. You can also keep them in the fridge. Use arbi in many dishes, boil it, fry it, or add it to curries. The leaves can be used fresh or frozen for later.