Allotments 4 All

Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Robert_Brenchley on November 26, 2011, 16:52:12

Title: Oca
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on November 26, 2011, 16:52:12
Looks like a crop forming! I won't be lifting any till the top growth has died right back.

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ojNUhjP_RfA/TtERXx2aUlI/AAAAAAAAAew/tXQOW0zZ9EY/s1600/Oca+25.11.11.jpg)
Title: Re: Oca
Post by: Ian Pearson on November 26, 2011, 19:21:11
Looks promising. No sign of frost here yet either, so tubers should have a good chance to swell.
Title: Re: Oca
Post by: irridium on November 26, 2011, 22:27:20
so mine doesn't need earthing up then, as they are growing out of the surface like yours are, robert? i've harvested one tuber and they taste a bit sorrel-like, tho' i think they would be better cooked (any recipes anyone?)
Title: Re: Oca
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on November 26, 2011, 22:44:37
I boil them, but not for too long. Minimal cooking for everything! The only problem when they're on the surface is that they're extremely vulnerable to frost.
Title: Re: Oca
Post by: lottie lou on November 26, 2011, 23:07:34
Steam them, they only need about 5 mins.
Title: Re: Oca
Post by: irridium on November 26, 2011, 23:15:38
there's also long sprouting shoots on mine too (like the pic) with small tuber-like nodules on, are these to be kept for growing-on for next yr by any chance? would like to cook them in a traditional s.american dish if anyone has a recipe for one.
Title: Re: Oca
Post by: Ophi on November 26, 2011, 23:38:32
They look beautiful.  I think I will have a try to grow them next year.
Title: Re: Oca
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on November 27, 2011, 00:12:51
Either get some from someone on the site - several of us grow them - or buy some from Realseeds. Tubers should be available in a few weeks. They have a lovely lemony taste. I haven't tried growing on the small nodules, but no doubt it would work.
Title: Re: Oca
Post by: gwynleg on November 27, 2011, 10:47:14
I had decided not to grow them any more but they had other ideas! Unfortunately although they are growing beautifully, they are right in the way of where I want to put my new fruit trees. Seems a real shame to dig them up when they are doing so well this year.