Ulluco

Ullucus tuberosus — Basellaceae

Italiano: Ulluco

Description

Ulluco (Ullucus tuberosus) belongs to the Basellaceae family and is native to SouthAmerica. It thrives in Andean highlands, 3000-4000m environments across regions including SouthAmerica. Botanically, Ulluco is small colorful Andean tubers (yellow, pink, red) with a waxy texture. Second most important tuber in the Andes after potato.. The edible parts include Tubers, Leaves. With an edibility rating of 7/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, July, June and May. Nutritionally, Ulluco stands out for its Vitamin C (45.0mg, 50% DV), Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% DV) and Iron (2.0mg, 11% DV). It also provides 2.0g protein and 3.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Ulluco offers a Lightly sweet, earthy, slightly mucilaginous, beet-like texture flavor profile. Wash; boil 30-40 min; peel; dress with oil and herbs. Common culinary applications include Boiled tubers, Soups, Stews, Pickled, Cooked greens. Popular preparations include Boil tubers with a little baking soda to reduce waxiness. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Waxy texture requires longer cooking than potato. Antinutrient content is minimal. Be aware that Verify identification before consumption. Safe lookalike species include Similar edible species. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Andean highlands, 3000-4000m across SouthAmerica.

🍳 Recipe: Boil tubers with a little baking soda to reduce waxiness

Preparation method: Wash; boil 30-40 min; peel; dress with oil and herbs
Flavor profile: Lightly sweet, earthy, slightly mucilaginous, beet-like texture
Edible parts: Tubers, Leaves

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul.
Lookalike (safe): Similar edible species
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): Verify identification before consumption
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

7/10
Toxicity: Waxy texture requires longer cooking than potato
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Tuberi, Foglie
Preparation: Wash; boil 30-40 min; peel; dress with oil and herbs
Flavor: Lightly sweet, earthy, slightly mucilaginous, beet-like texture

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 2.0g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 3.0g
Vitamin C: 45.0mg (50%DV)
Vitamin A: 50mcg (5%DV)
Vitamin E: 1.0mg (6%DV)
Vitamin K: 30mcg (25%DV)
Folate (B9): 20mcg (5%DV)
Calcium: 60.0mg (4%DV)
Iron: 2.0mg (11%DV)
Magnesium: 20mg (4%DV)
Potassium: 200mg (4%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses: Boiled tubers, Soups, Stews, Pickled, Cooked greens Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Boil tubers with a little baking soda to reduce waxiness

Where It Grows

Continent: SouthAmerica
Regions: SouthAmerica
Habitat: Andean highlands, 3000-4000m
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Sources & References