Taro

Availability

Taro is imported from the Pacific Islands and is available all year round.

Storage and Handling

Store in a cool, dark and well-ventilated place, do not refrigerate as this can change the flavour. Handle all fresh produce with care and wash before eating.

History

The taro has helped provide good nutrition to Pacific Islands populations for hundreds of years and was brought to New Zealand by ancestors of Māori when they arrived here about 1250AD.

Facts

It is known by several names, taro, talo, dalo
Varieties of taro vary in colour and size
Taro is a starchy root crop and the leaves are also edible
Taro is not grown commercially in New Zealand; all supplies are imported from the Pacific Islands

Growing Facts

The taro plant is about 1metre tall and has heart shaped leaves
Taro requires warm temperatures to grow
Taro is not yet grown commercially in New Zealand

Nutrition Information

1 cup sliced = 145 g

	Average Quantity per serving	% Daily Intake per serve	Average Quantity per 100 g
Energy (kJ/Cal)	698/167	8%	482/115
Protein (g)	1.9	4%	1.3
Fat, total (g)	0.4	1%	0.3
- saturated (g)	0.13	1%	0.09
Available carbohydrate (g)	36.1	12%	24.9
- sugars (g)	3.2	4%	2.2
Dietary Fibre (g)	4.5	15%	3.1
Sodium (mg)	0	0%	0
Folate (µg)	90	45% RDI*	62
Zinc (mg)	3.5	29% RDI*	2.4
Niacin (mg)	2.1	21% RDI*	1.4
Riboflavin (mg)	0.19	11% RDI*	0.13
Thiamin (mg)	0.15	13% RDI*	0.10
Vitamin B6 (mg)	0.32	20% RDI*	0.22
Vitamin C (mg)	6	14% RDI*	4
Vitamin E (mg)	1.3	23% RDI*	1.61
Copper (mg)	0.4	12% ESADDI**	0.3
Magnesium (mg)	57	18% RDI*	39
Manganese (mg)	0.7	14% ESADDI**	0.5
Potassium (mg)	580		400