GREATER YAM (KAACHIL)

INTRODUCTION TO LESSER KNOWN

VEGETABLES AND FRUIT SPECIES OF KERALA

                                  VOL. 9

COMMON NAME:- GREATER YAM

OTHER NAMES: - Guyana arrowroot,

       ten-months yam,

        violet yam,

         water yam,

        white yam,

                                    winged yam,

        uhi,

                                     ratalu,

                                     kondfal,

                                     rasa valli kilangu,

                                     khoai mỡ.

BOTANIC NAME: - DIOSCOREA ALATA

MALAYALAM NAME: - KAACHIL,

                                     KANDI KIZHANGU,

                                     KAATHU.

GREATER YAM

The term "yam" is used to embrace many tubers, including the sweet potato, which is no relation. The sweet potato is a member of the Morning Glory family and is not a true yam. Greater yam is predominantly a tropical root vegetable. Climb to a height of 4-5 m. Tubers are digitate and smooth in shape and excellent cooking quality.

The crop cannot withstand frost and excessively high temperatures.

Yam requires loose, deep, well-drained, fertile soil. 

The crop does not come up well in waterlogged conditions.     

MY SON AJAY HOLDING GREATER YAM

   

NUTRITIVE VALUE:-

One serving of yams (1/2 cup), provides the following :
88 calories
Fat   0.1g
Carbohydrate   20g
Fiber 3g
Sugar  0.4g
Protein  1g
Vitamin C   12mg
Potassium    612mg

MEDICINAL VALUE:-

In the Tribal medicine yams has been used as a laxative and vermifuge.

FOOD VALUE:-

Yam is used in a variety of desserts.

SEEDS OF GREATER YAM

METHOD OF CULTIVATION :-

Select medium size tubers weighing about 100-150 g each. Plough or dig the land to a depth of 15-20 cm. Prepare mounds at a spacing of 75 x 75 cm incorporating  little cattle manure. Plant the whole tuber, one in each mound and cover completely with soil. Mulch the mounds to maintain optimum temperature and moisture. Trail the vines by fixing small poles attached with coir rope and direct 4-6 plants per pole. The crop becomes ready for harvest within 8-9 months after planting.    

GREATER YAM