Yacon Powder - Sunchoke

South American treasures

18.05.13

Acai, an Amazonian berry rich in antioxidants and available in pulp or powder form, cropping up also in supplements and mixed juices, has been touted as a strengthening and disease-fighting powerhouse. Quinoa and acai you've probably heard of. Quinoa was the sacred staple of the Incans - a grain-like seed that is mineral-rich and gluten-free, which boasts a complete set of eight essential amino acids. Perhaps king among these new arrivals is maca, a Peruvian root, similar in appearance to a small turnip, usually sold in ground, powdered form. It's hard to believe there ever was a time when food from overseas wasn't a part of our gastronomic culture, but nowadays few would blink at the cornucopia of world foods from Africa to the Americas on supermarket shelves. Probably not, but that's set to change.

Source: South China Morning Post