NEW ZEALAND YAM - Red Oca (8 Tubers)

***NOT TO WA***   (Oxalis tuberosa)  Perennial.  A compact, bushy plant to 30cm high with clover-like leaves producing edible, burgundy coloured tubers.  Well suited to temperate areas of Australia tolerating cool conditions & poor soils (temperatures over 28'C will cause the plant to wilt).  Very hardy.  Will die back in winter with frost to reprout again in Spring.  Tubers best planted in Spring.  Use roots baked like potato (no need to peel), or leaves & stems as sorrel substitute.  Yams are eaten cooked and in this form the carotenoids are more available. Boiling or steaming minimises their oxalate levels. Serve whole or mashed or use sliced in stir fries. The natural sweetness of yams is enhanced with ginger, orange or sweet and sour sauces.  Plant will begin producing tubers at 4 months with harvest occuring at 6 months.