What is the English name for Kachil?

The English name of Kachil is Purple Yam (Dioscorea alata).

What is purple yam called in India?

Kand
In India, they are known as Kand or Indian Purple yam, and are used in savory vegetable dishes. The starchy purple root vegetables are botanically classified as Dioscorea alata and are sometimes referred to as Violet yams or Water yams.

Is ube only in the Philippines?

The history behind the Philippine purple yam Dioscorea alata, the plant’s scientific name that bears ube, is indigenous to Asia, specifically grown in the Philippines. But later on, it was classified a yam, meaning it is of the Dioscorea family.

Is yam healthy to eat?

They’re a great source of fiber, potassium, manganese, copper, and antioxidants. Yams are linked to various health benefits and may boost brain health, reduce inflammation, and improve blood sugar control. They’re versatile, easy to prepare, and a great vegetable to include in your diet in both sweet and savory dishes.

Can you eat purple yam leaves?

So, are sweet potato leaves edible? Yes, definitely! Next question: what are “camote tops?” The vines of sweet potatoes (especially the deep purple varieties), are known as camote tops (or kamote tops) in Spanish-speaking countries. The leaves are prepared much like spinach or turnip greens.

Can you eat ube raw?

Where is ube from? Purple yam can also be found in other parts of Southeast Asia – but be mindful that you’ve got to eat it cooked, it may contain some toxicity if eaten raw. Ube’s Latin name is dioscorea alata and is often mistaken for taro.

Are yam leaves edible?

Not all Yam leaves are edible, so caution should be taken when using the leaves in recipes. They are best suited for cooked applications such as boiling, steaming, or sautéing. Yam leaves can be added to soups, curries, and stews and are commonly used in stir-fries.

What are the benefits of yam leaves?

Some research has shown that yam leaves are more nutritious than spinach, celery, carrots and cucumbers when it comes to vitamin B, iron, zinc, protein, antioxidants, and calcium. They supposedly enhance immune function, boost metabolism, lower blood sugar, improve eyesight, and act as an anti-inflammatory.

Is purple yam and ube the same?

Ube is a starchy vegetable also known as purple yam — which is not the same as purple sweet potatoes, though they are similar and can be substituted in recipes. Yams, for one, grow on vines, while sweet potatoes grow underground. Ube is high in vitamin C, antioxidants and resistant starch, making it a great prebiotic.

What is Kachil puzhungiyathu?

Kachil or Greater Yam is in season now. Kachil puzhungiyathu is boiled yam and is a popular traditional and healthy food which can be cooked without any oil, but sadly not so popular with the younger generation. I like to dig deep into and bring out traditional Kerala food which was very popular until some years ago.

How do you cook Kachil?

Put it in the cooker, add water and salt. Close the cooker and place it over the fire… after 1 whistle simmer for 3 to 4 min…and when the steam subsides, open the cooker and strain the water. Tips: Cooking time varies with the kachil you get, for some it might take longer time.

How to cook yams/kachils in the cooker?

Now lets make the yam/kachil. This is fresh one which I got locally, scrape the skin and slice, wash thoroughly. Put it in the cooker, add water and salt. Close the cooker and place it over the fire… after 1 whistle simmer for 3 to 4 min…and when the steam subsides, open the cooker and strain the water.