How Sweet It Is…and Healthy too!
Fresh Yacon tubers are crisp and juicy with a delicate flavor reminiscent of apple or melon and a surprising sweetness that increases in storage. They can be eaten raw, (fresh or dried) steamed, baked, roasted, or juiced. The somewhat bitter skin can be scrubbed off with a stiff brush, peeled with a vegetable peeler, or removed after baking.
While satisfyingly sweet and flavorful, Yacon remains low in calories. This is due to the fact that the sugar contains high levels of oligofructose (inulin), a form of sugar that is not metabolized readily by the human body. For this reason, Yacon shows much promise as a food for diabetics and as a base for a low calorie sweetener. Even a tea made from dried Yacon leaves is purported to have the ability to level out blood sugar levels. Research on the benefits of Yacon for diabetics is being carried out in Argentina and Japan. Oligofructose is known to aid digestion and promote beneficial bacteria in the colon, so it may also help prevent colon cancer. High in fiber, low in fat, and rich in oligofructose, Yacon is considered by many to be a superfood of the future.
Apparently it also grows well in North America (it's from Bolivia/Peru). It's too bad the syrup costs around $30 for 16 oz. or so! Someday I want to have my own garden where I can grow lots of exotic things, like yacon and goji berries.
However, going the cheaper route, raw honey is also an amazing natural sweetner. Sometimes it gets a bad rap because many people are unaware of its benefits. For instance, raw honey aids the stomach and digestion. It is good for allergies, healing ulcers and burns, and has anti-cancer properties. It is also an antiseptic, antibiotic, antifungal and antibacterial. Sounds to me like a much better choice than refined cane sugar!
