Everything about Tropaeolum Tuberosum totally explained
The
mashua (see below for other names) is a
perennial plant grown in the
Andes for its edible
tuber, which is eaten as a
root vegetable. It is a major food source there. The tuber is rather peppery in flavor when raw, but this quality disappears when cooked. It is related to
nasturtiums, being of the
Tropaeolum genus.
Alternative names
This plant is commonly called
mashua in
Peru and
Ecuador.
Its extraordinary resistance to
insect,
nematode, and
bacterial pests is attributed to high levels of
isothiocyanates. In Colombia, it's planted as a
companion crop to repel pests in
potato fields.
Mashua as a food
The tubers comprise as much as 75 percent of the mature plants by dry weight (40 percent is typical for
cereals). Up to 75 percent of dry matter reaches the tubercle.
Popularization of mashua may be limited by its strong flavor, and its reputation as an
anti-aphrodisiac (see below).
Medicinal properties
It been recorded by the Spanish chronicler Cobo that mashua was fed to their armies by the Inca Emperors, "that they should forget their wives". Indeed, studies of male rats fed on mashua tubers have shown a 45% drop in
testosterone levels
.
Mashua has also been used to treat
nephropathy, and as a
diuretic.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Tropaeolum Tuberosum'.
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