Why grow boring ol' potatoes when you can grow Oca and Yacon?

It's that time of year when the ground is brown where it's not covered with snow, the air is bitter cold, and the plants are sleeping. The only solace for a gardener is the arrival of the seed catalog. Although it is still January, my gardeners heart is already in the garden - perhaps it never left. In my seed shopping, I've come across two root crops of interest. We've all grown potatoes, but have you ever heard of Oca? What about Yacon? Oca (oxalis tuberosa), is native to the Andean region of South America. South American peoples have been cultivating this staple crop since the reign of the Inca empire. It's nutritionally similar to the potato but has a tart, nutty flavor. It's tolerant of different soil conditions and drought. However, growing it here in the Rocky Mountain region may be difficult, if not impossible. The tubers begin forming after the fall equinox (September 21st), at which point they need ample water and frost free weather for at least a month or two. But, those of you with a longer growing season - california, the pacific northwest, southern utah - should give it a shot. Yacon (polymnia sonchifolia) has a little more promise in the mountains. The seedlings or crown pieces can be started indoors a couple of months before the last spring frost and then moved outside. They grow in one huge clump in conditions similar to sunflowers, which is anywhere in full sun, poor soil, and average water; and they have the consistency of jicama or water chestnuts. Interesting. Tubers and crowns for Oca and Yacon are available from seeds of change, an organic seed company we have had good luck with in the past. Check it out! http://www.seedsofchange.com