Mashua

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The mashua or añu is a perennial plant grown in the Andes for its edible tuber. It is a major food source there. The tuber is rather peppery in flavor when raw, but this quality disappears when cooked.

Related Topics:
Perennial plant - Andes - Tuber

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The plant is well adapted to high-altitude subsistence agriculture. It grows vigorously even in marginal soils and in the presence of weeds, and gives high yields; the tubers comprise as much as 75 percent of the mature plants by dry weight (40 percent is typical for cereals), and 70 tons per hectare have been produced under research conditions.

Related Topics:
Subsistence agriculture - Soil - Weed - Cereal

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Its extraordinary resistence to insect, nematode, and bacterial pests is attributed to high levels of isothiocyanates. In Columbia, it is planted as a companion crop to repel pests in potato fields.

Related Topics:
Insect - Nematode - Bacteria - Isothiocyanate - Companion crop - Potato

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Mashua has also been used to treat nephropathy and as a diuretic.

Related Topics:
Nephropathy - Diuretic

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Popularization of mashua may be limited by its strong flavor, and its reputation as an antaphrodisiac.

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