Smallanthus sonchifolius

Yacon, Smallanthus sonchifolius, is a perennial tuberous vegetable, forming potato-like underground tubers with a distinct sweet flavour, not dissimilar to a pear, and a texture akin to water chestnut.

Grow Smallanthus sonchifolius in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Lift the tubers for harvesting in autumn. Perennial but not fully hardy, it’s possible to save the crowns of to replant in spring – simply cut the plants back to around 10cm long and store the crowns as dahlias, covered in damp compost in a cool frost-free place where they won't dry out.