Edible Colocasia - Called Taro

In short: Edible colocasia (taro, Colocasia esculenta) is grown from tubers planted eye up in permeable, slightly acidic substrate that is kept constantly moist. Outdoors it thrives from May to September, and it overwinters at around 16 °C. Tubers and leaves must always be cooked, because raw taro contains oxalic acid.

Taro - Edible Colocasia

Edible Colocasia (Latin: Colocasia esculenta) - you may know it as taro, kulkas or the potato of the tropics - belongs to monocotyledonous plants from the Araceae family (Latin: Araceae). Colocasia is among very ancient cultivated crops. It was already grown in ancient Egypt.

Colocasia is cultivated as an agricultural crop. It is grown in muddy fields. In Asia, Africa and Oceania it grows wild. However, it can also be grown as an ornamental plant. It resembles kale marginally.

Colocasia has no stem. Long, petiolate leaves grow directly from the tubers. The leaves have a heart shape and long petiole. They are evergreen. The leaves can reach up to 2m in height. Colocasia flowers are yellow in color.

Edible Colocasia is suitable for planting around water features in the garden. You can use its magnificent leaves in group plantings. Their green color contrasts beautifully with colorful flowers. It emphasizes white.

Colocasia is not demanding to grow. If you provide it with basic starting conditions, then its cultivation is easy. Colocasia needs good air humidity, partial shade with warm sun and nutritious soil.

Growing Edible Colocasia

We grow Colocasia from tubers. Tubers can weigh up to 5kg. The smallest tubers start from 50g. Larger tubers can be cut into smaller pieces, according to the number of eyes. We plant tubers in permeable substrate with the eye facing up. You mix permeable substrate with a proportion of river sand. It prefers slightly acidic soil pH. To maintain optimal temperature and humidity, use a mini greenhouse for pre-cultivation. Place it on a windowsill where light and warmth penetrate. Do not expose to direct sunlight. Tubers must be completely covered with substrate. Their roots sprout at the top. If they were in the air, they would dry out.

Once the roots sprout, transplant the tubers individually into pots. The substrate should be nutritious with a good drainage layer. Tubers will quickly strengthen and fill the pot with roots. Once the pot is filled with roots, transplant the Colocasia into a larger one.

Colocasia belongs among moisture-demanding plants. Keep the substrate constantly moist. If the substrate dries out, then the Colocasia will retreat back into the tubers and the above-ground part of the plant will die. Colocasia will sprout again once the substrate reaches optimal moisture.

Recommendation: Colocasia belongs among wetland plants. It thrives in conditions similar to the tropics.

You can grow Colocasia as a houseplant. If you want to grow it as an outdoor plant, it's advisable to gradually harden it off and acclimatize it to our sun conditions. Once it's ready, it will thrive outdoors from May to September.

For outdoor planting, it works beautifully around garden ponds. It's also suitable for group plantings. It has rich green leaves that contrast wonderfully with flowering plants, such as water lilies and lotuses.

Overwinter Colocasia at a temperature around 16°C.

Consumption of Edible Colocasia Around the World

Colocasia tubers can weigh up to 5kg. They are used in traditional dishes in African and Asian countries. The tubers have a cream color. Colocasia tubers can be boiled, fried, baked, and dried. After cooking, they soften and have a slightly jelly-like consistency. Dried ones are ground into flour. The tubers are processed into starch like potatoes. This starch is less caloric than potato starch.

Various dishes are prepared from the tubers. They're suitable even for sweet desserts. They're added to soups. You can prepare porridge from them. The porridge can be combined with vegetables or served as a side dish with meat.

From young leaves, you can prepare a dish similar to spinach. Some Colocasia varieties contain large amounts of oxalic acid. Definitely don't forget thorough heat treatment. Don't use the water you boiled the tubers in. Pour it away!

Colocasia tubers can be purchased in specialized stores and larger supermarkets. Look for them also under the name Taro. Don't consume fresh tubers - they're slightly poisonous due to oxalic acid. They have a high starch content and therefore a bitter taste. They should only be consumed after heat treatment. Baked, they taste like chestnuts. Serve boiled and roasted tubers as a side dish with grilled meat.

Recipe: Edible Colocasia - taro tubers - boil purchased tubers sufficiently. You can easily prepare a healthy salad from them. Cut the taro into cubes. Mix in other vegetables you like - green beans, carrots, celery stalks. Season with pepper and salt. You can add sprouted cress or freshly picked herbs - marjoram, savory... Combine with mayonnaise, white yogurt, or tartar sauce. Serve with a crusty baguette.

Try original exotic taro. Grow edible Colocasia yourself. You can consume it. You can grow it for its magnificent leaves. It will liven up not only your garden!

Do you grow any exotic plants from which you harvest and consume the produce?

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Caring for the Body from Head to Toe

Author: Hana Michalíková

The modern trend of returning to nature also applies to body care. More and more people are discovering the benefits of natural cosmetics that not only take care of the skin but also respect the environment. What are the basic principles of holistic body care and which natural products should you have in your bathroom?

Why Choose Natural Body Care?

Our skin is the largest organ of the body and absorbs everything we apply to it. Conventional cosmetics often contain synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulfates and other chemical substances that can irritate the skin and accumulate in the body over time. Natural cosmetics, on the other hand, work with ingredients that the skin recognizes and can effectively utilize.

The benefits of natural body care include:

• Gentler effect on sensitive skin
• Lower risk of allergic reactions
• Better skin nourishment thanks to active plant ingredients
• Ecological sustainability and biodegradability
• No testing on animals

Basic Steps of Body Care

Cleansing

The foundation of care is proper cleansing. Natural soaps made from vegetable oils gently cleanse without disrupting the skin's natural pH. Cold-pressed soaps with the addition of essential oils not only cleanse but also nourish the skin. For those who prefer liquid products, natural shower gels based on mild surfactants from coconut or sugar are a suitable choice.

Exfoliation

Regular exfoliation is key to smooth and radiant skin. Body scrubs with sea salt, sugar or coffee grounds mechanically remove dead skin cells and improve blood circulation. It's ideal to exfoliate 1-2 times a week. Natural scrubs also often contain nourishing oils that leave the skin soft even after rinsing.

Hydration and Nourishment

After cleansing, the skin needs hydration. Body balms and butters made from shea butter, cocoa butter or mango butter intensively nourish dry skin. For lighter hydration, body oils are suitable – coconut, almond, jojoba or argan oil penetrate deeply and restore the skin's lipid barrier.

Special Care

Some body parts require special attention. Hand creams protect against cold and frequent washing, foot creams with urea help with cracked heels, and deodorants without aluminum salts ensure freshness without clogging pores.

Natural Ingredients and Their Effects

When choosing natural cosmetics, pay attention to the composition. The most effective ingredients include:

• Shea butter – intensively nourishes, regenerates and protects the skin
• Coconut oil – hydrates, has antibacterial effects and leaves a pleasant scent
• Aloe vera – soothes, hydrates and promotes healing
• Essential oils – lavender calms, tea tree has antibacterial effects, rosemary stimulates
• Hyaluronic acid – binds moisture in the skin
• Vitamin E – protects against free radicals and slows aging

How to Recognize Quality Natural Cosmetics

Not everything labeled as "natural" really is. When selecting products, look for:

• Certifications – such as Cosmos Natural, Natrue, Ecocert
• Composition – ingredients should be listed according to INCI and natural substances should be at the beginning
• Minimum synthetic additives – avoid parabens, SLS, SLES, synthetic fragrances
• Packaging – preference for glass or recyclable materials

Body Care Routine According to Seasons

Spring and Summer

In warmer months, the skin needs lighter textures. Prefer body lotions and light oils that absorb quickly and don't leave a greasy film. Don't forget sun protection – choose natural sunscreens with mineral filters.

Autumn and Winter

Cold and heating dry out the skin, so switch to richer body butters and balms. Pay increased attention to areas prone to drying – elbows, knees, hands. Intensive hydration is essential for maintaining healthy skin during harsh weather.

Tips for Combining Products

For maximum effectiveness of body care:

1. Apply body care to damp skin right after showering – ingredients absorb better
2. Choose products with similar pH to avoid skin irritation
3. Don't be afraid to combine – body oils can be mixed with balms for better spreadability
4. Use scrubs before applying self-tanner for an even result
5. In summer, store natural cosmetics in the refrigerator – they'll last longer and provide a refreshing sensation

Conclusion

Body care with natural cosmetics is an investment in long-term skin health and environmental protection. Although quality natural products may be slightly more expensive than conventional cosmetics, their effectiveness and gentle action more than compensate for the higher price. Your skin will thank you for the switch to natural care with a healthy appearance, softness and radiance. Start gradually, try different products and find the combination that suits you best. Nature offers everything your skin needs – you just need to learn to use it correctly.