Boiled Taro
Roots
Nutri-ScoreA

Boiled Taro

Colocasia esculenta

Clinical Encyclopedia

Boiled taro is a starchy root vegetable known for its nutty flavor and creamy texture. It is rich in carbohydrates and dietary fiber, making it a popular choice in various cuisines.

Also known as:
Taro rootDasheen
Scientific NameColocasia esculenta
Region of OriginSoutheast Asia

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories142 kcal
Water
73%
Fiber5.1g
Total36.3g
Protein
1.5g(4%)
Fats
0.2g(1%)
Carbohydrates
34.6g(95%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin C4.5 mg (5%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DVNone registered

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Potassium425 mg (12%)
Minerals with less than 2% DVNone registered

Health Benefits

Boiled taro is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
It is rich in potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and proper muscle function.
The presence of antioxidants in taro helps combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Boiled taro is gluten-free, making it a suitable carbohydrate source for individuals with gluten intolerance.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!Consuming raw taro can lead to irritation in the mouth and throat due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals.
!Individuals with kidney issues should monitor their potassium intake, as taro is high in potassium.

How to Prepare & Consume

Boil taro until tender, then peel and serve. It can be mashed, added to soups, or used in desserts.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose firm, unblemished taro roots with a smooth skin. Avoid any that are soft or have dark spots.

How to Store

Store taro in a cool, dry place. Once cooked, refrigerate and consume within a few days.

Myths vs Realities

MythTaro is poisonous.
RealityTaro is safe to eat when cooked, as cooking removes toxins.
MythBoiled taro has no nutritional value.
RealityBoiled taro is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it nutritious.
MythTaro can be eaten raw like other vegetables.
RealityRaw taro contains calcium oxalate, which can irritate the mouth and throat.

Healthy Recipes

Spicy Taro and Chickpea Salad

A vibrant salad combining boiled taro and chickpeas, tossed in a zesty lemon-tahini dressing for a nutritious and filling meal.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups boiled taro, cubed
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the boiled taro, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
  2. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, chili flakes, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. 3. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently to combine, and serve chilled.

Taro and Spinach Soup

A creamy yet healthy soup made with boiled taro and fresh spinach, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups boiled taro, mashed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
  2. 2. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil, then stir in the mashed taro and spinach.
  3. 3. Simmer for 10 minutes, season with salt and pepper, and blend until smooth before serving.

Taro Cakes with Avocado Salsa

Crispy taro cakes served with a refreshing avocado salsa, making for a delightful appetizer or snack.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups boiled taro, mashed
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mix the mashed taro, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  2. 2. Form the mixture into small patties and pan-fry in a non-stick skillet until golden brown on both sides.
  3. 3. For the salsa, combine avocado, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl and serve on top of the taro cakes.

Taro and Coconut Curry

A rich and creamy coconut curry featuring boiled taro, loaded with spices and served with brown rice for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups boiled taro, cubed
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon curry paste
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
  2. 2. Add curry paste and stir for a minute before pouring in the coconut milk and bringing to a simmer.
  3. 3. Stir in the boiled taro and mixed vegetables, cook until heated through, and serve garnished with cilantro.

Taro and Quinoa Bowl

A nutritious bowl featuring boiled taro and quinoa, topped with roasted vegetables and a lemon vinaigrette.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup boiled taro, cubed
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, boiled taro, and roasted vegetables.
  2. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the bowl and mix gently before serving.

Taro Pancakes with Maple Syrup

Fluffy pancakes made with boiled taro, offering a unique twist to your breakfast, served with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup boiled taro, mashed
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mix the mashed taro, flour, baking powder, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
  2. 2. Heat a non-stick skillet and pour in the batter to form pancakes, cooking until bubbles form on the surface.
  3. 3. Flip and cook until golden brown, serving warm with additional maple syrup.

Taro and Black Bean Tacos

Delicious tacos filled with seasoned boiled taro and black beans, topped with fresh salsa for a healthy twist on a classic.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups boiled taro, cubed
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Corn tortillas
  • 1 cup salsa
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a skillet, combine boiled taro, black beans, cumin, and chili powder, cooking until heated through.
  2. 2. Warm corn tortillas in a separate skillet, then fill with the taro and bean mixture.
  3. 3. Top with salsa and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Taro and Vegetable Stir-Fry

A quick and colorful stir-fry featuring boiled taro and a mix of seasonal vegetables, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups boiled taro, cubed
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large skillet, heat sesame oil and sauté ginger until fragrant.
  2. 2. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot, stir-frying until tender-crisp.
  3. 3. Stir in boiled taro and soy sauce, cooking until everything is heated through, and garnish with sesame seeds.

Taro Smoothie Bowl

A creamy and nutritious smoothie bowl made with boiled taro, topped with fresh fruits and seeds for a perfect breakfast or snack.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup boiled taro, mashed
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Toppings: sliced fruits, chia seeds, nuts
Instructions
  1. 1. In a blender, combine mashed taro, banana, almond milk, and honey, blending until smooth.
  2. 2. Pour the smoothie into a bowl and arrange your choice of toppings on top.
  3. 3. Serve immediately for a refreshing breakfast.

Taro and Lentil Patties

Nutritious patties made from boiled taro and lentils, perfect for a healthy burger alternative or snack.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup boiled taro, mashed
  • 1 cup cooked lentils
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for frying
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mix mashed taro, cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  2. 2. Form the mixture into patties and pan-fry in olive oil until golden brown on both sides.
  3. 3. Serve warm with a side of yogurt or sauce of choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is boiled taro safe to eat?

Yes, boiled taro is safe to eat as cooking eliminates harmful substances.

How do you prepare boiled taro?

Peel the taro, cut it into chunks, and boil in water until tender.

What are the health benefits of taro?

Taro is high in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, promoting digestive health and heart health.

Can you eat taro skin?

No, taro skin should be removed as it can cause irritation when raw.

How many calories are in boiled taro?

There are approximately 142 calories in 100 grams of boiled taro.

Is taro good for weight loss?

Yes, due to its high fiber content, taro can help you feel full longer, aiding in weight management.

Can taro be eaten raw?

No, raw taro is toxic and should always be cooked before consumption.

What dishes can I make with boiled taro?

Boiled taro can be used in soups, stews, desserts, or mashed as a side dish.