Imagine a world where sweetness doesn't come at the cost of your health. Here enters the Yacon plant, a remarkable root vegetable native to the Andean highlands of South America. Often referred to as "ground apple" due to its subtle sweetness and subterranean nature, the Yacon plant boasts a unique characteristic – a type of sugar that keeps your blood sugar levels happy. It's like a secret weapon for your digestion, metabolism, and even your immune system.
But the Yacon magic extends far beyond its guilt-free sweetness. This superfood is a powerhouse of prebiotics, nurturing your gut for optimal health. Its anti-inflammatory properties offer a range of potential benefits, making Yacon Roots a true friend to your well-being. Plus, it's got FOS content in it. The prebiotic effect in the Yacon syrup benefits individuals who are working to shed a few pounds. Thus, the Yacon plant earned its nickname as "Diet Potato"!
The Yacon plant entered the Nepalese territory as a sweet surprise to both the consumers and producers of this superfood vegetable. The stories of a forgotten souvenir sparking its introduction or a more conventional route from Japan around a decade ago, Yacon made its way to Nepal. In this blog, we will be unveiling the secrets behind the best organic Yacon syrup from Nepal Tea Collective as we explore how we source this remarkable health treasure for the global market.
WHAT IS YACON SYRUP?
A natural alternative to sugar, Yacon syrup emerges from the heart of the Andes. This unique sweetener, extracted from the bulbous root of the Yacon plant, boasts a delightful caramel-like taste that complements beverages and desserts perfectly. Beyond its sweetness, Yacon syrup shines for its prebiotic properties, which contribute to a healthy gut by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Our Yacon syrup is a labor of love, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The process begins with the careful harvesting of Yacon roots at their peak maturity. While the Yacon root can also be eaten as a vegetable, mature Yacon roots contain high amounts of nutritious juice that can be extracted to create a healthy sweetener.
Finally, the precious Yacon root juice is boiled down to a sweet and dense dark brown Yacon syrup. Nepal Tea Collective’s process of transforming the superfood Yacon roots into delicious dark brown syrup preserves the natural properties of Yacon, ensuring that every drop of Yacon syrup retains the essence of this remarkable Yacon root.
SOURCING NEPAL TEA COLLECTIVE’S YACON SYRUP
Picture this: rolling green hills immersed in the golden glow of the rising sun, crisp mountain air invigorating your senses, and the majestic Kanchenjunga mountain range standing in the distance. This peaceful setting forms the base for Nepal Tea Collective's Yacon, where mineral-rich and pristine water nurtures these magical roots to perfection.
Here, the focus is on quality and sustainability. Nepal Tea Collective’s partner tea estate, Kanchenjunga Tea Estate (KTE) and Research Center is a haven for dedicated, small-holder farmers. These passionate individuals cultivate Yacon plants with meticulous care, ensuring each Yacon root is bursting with flavor and goodness.
Witnessing the fields come alive with Yacon plants is a sight to behold. The farmers, with their newly learned skills and unwavering dedication, transform these hardened winter lands into a vibrant tapestry of green. Their commitment is evident in every step, from planting the seeds to harvesting the mature roots. It's a true team effort, where skilled hands nurture the Yacon plant with respect and a deep understanding of the land.
YACON SYRUP AS A LIFELINE
Nepal boasts a rich tradition of tea cultivation. However, during the winter months (December to February), these tea farms lie dormant. Thus, Yacon came to be a strategic and sustainable solution for tea farmers at Kanchenjunga Tea Estate (KTE). This "Tea off-season" crop provides a valuable source of income for these farmers, effectively doubling their earnings during a traditionally lean period. It's a beautiful example of resourcefulness and adaptation, turning uncultivated land into a bounty of Yacon goodness.
“Yacon isn't just a crop, it's a lifeline for many families.”
For many Nepali families, Yacon provides a lifeline, a source of income that empowers and uplifts. Currently, in the Phidim municipality in Nepal, almost 225 women have been successfully trained to practice ground apple farming. Women, the unsung heroes of these households, often take charge of Yacon cultivation. Organizations like Women for Human Rights play a crucial role in this story, equipping these women with the skills and knowledge of organic farming.
By empowering women with sustainable agricultural practices, Yacon cultivation becomes more than just a crop; it becomes a source of self-reliance and economic independence. These women not only provide for their families but also contribute to their communities, fostering a chain of events that work towards positive change. To know further about how the KTE team is empowering women and the entire tea farmers community, the United Nations Development Program Nepal (UNDP Nepal) has crafted an extensive article about Yacon farming and Yacon syrup production in the fertile lands of Phidim. You can read the article here.
A BRIGHT FUTURE OF YACON IN NEPAL
Yacon may still be a newcomer to the Nepali market, but its future gleams with promise. As consumer awareness of its remarkable health benefits grows, Yacon has the potential to become a household name in Nepal and beyond. Nepal Tea Collective is at the forefront of this exciting journey, bridging the gap between the ancient wisdom of the Andes and the fertile grounds of Nepal. They are not only introducing Yacon to global audiences but also fostering its growth within Nepali communities.
Our commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainable practices, and community empowerment is paving the way for a Yacon revolution in Nepal. With increased demand, Yacon cultivation can expand beyond Nepal’s Eastern hills, reaching new regions and empowering more communities. This expansion would not only create a robust Yacon industry in Nepal but also contribute to sustainable land management practices. As awareness spreads and appreciation grows, Yacon has the power to transform lives, and landscapes, and ultimately, redefine the meaning of a healthy and sustainable food system in Nepal.
So, the next time you reach for a sweetener, consider the magic of Yacon syrup. With every sip, you're not just indulging in a delicious treat; you're supporting a community of dedicated farmers, contributing to a sustainable future, and embracing the hidden treasure nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of Nepal.