10 Popular Types of Tubers in Indonesia and Their Benefits

Kapanlagi.com - Indonesia is very famous for various types of tubers it has. Maybe all this time you thought that tubers were only cassava and sweet potatoes. In fact, there are still many types of tubers that you often encounter. Tubers themselves are a type of plant that is grown underground or often considered as their roots. The benefits of tubers are also numerous and good for health. In addition, you can easily find them in the market at an affordable price.

Some types of tubers are even used as a substitute for rice because they contain various nutrients. Tubers also have a main carbohydrate content that is not much different from rice, such as potatoes and cassava. Even some types of tuber plants already have a distinctive taste even when cooked by boiling alone.

Now, Indonesia is one of the countries that has good soil quality so that tubers can grow well. Then, what are the popular types of tubers in Indonesia. So you're not curious, check out the following review.

1. Potato

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Potato is one of the most popular types of tubers worldwide. In fact, potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates besides rice. With its delicious taste, it's no wonder that this irregularly round tuber is a favorite food among people all over the world. Furthermore, there are already numerous potato dishes that you can consume, ranging from simple to luxurious preparations.

In fact, you can also obtain a series of benefits of potatoes such as aiding digestion, promoting brain and nervous system health, maintaining heart health, preventing cancer, and controlling blood sugar levels. To enjoy these benefits, you can consume potatoes by boiling them.

2. Onion

Onions are a type of bulb that is certainly well-known by the community. Unlike other types of bulbs, onions are usually not consumed directly but used as a base for cooking spices. In fact, it is not a secret that onions have a lot of health benefits such as lowering blood pressure, maintaining heart health, preventing flu, and reducing the risk of lung cancer.

3. Sweet Potato

(credit: freepik)

Next, another popular type of tuber is sweet potato or often called purple sweet potato. In Indonesia, sweet potatoes are often boiled and served as a snack. Its soft texture and sweet taste make boiled sweet potatoes very popular. Not only boiled, sweet potatoes are also often processed into other types of food, such as compote and chips.

In fact, in various regions, sweet potatoes become a staple food replacing rice as they also have good health benefits such as being a source of antioxidants, improving immune system, suitable for diets, promoting digestion, improving eye health, stabilizing blood pressure, and preventing heart attacks.

4. Cassava

Cassava, also known as tapioca or yucca, is one of the foods that is good to consume as a substitute for rice. Cassava is widely known as a staple food that produces carbohydrates, and its leaves are used as vegetables.

Some benefits of cassava include treating hypertension, being cholesterol-free, preventing diabetes, being good for rheumatism patients, promoting bone health, eye health, and nerve health. However, always remember to consume fully cooked cassava. This is because raw cassava contains toxins that are harmful to the body.

5. Radish

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In Indonesia, radishes are often used as ingredients for soup or other types of brothy dishes. There are two types of radishes known as white radish and red radish, both of which are beneficial for body health. Radishes have a taste that is similar to carrots.

The benefits of radishes for body health, which are rich in vitamins and nutrients, include strengthening the immune system, liver health, blood pressure, good digestion, and maintaining blood vessel health. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consume radishes regularly.

6. Gadung

Gadung is a type of tuber that can be eaten. However, if not properly processed, gadung can cause toxins that can lead to dizziness and vomiting. Usually, gadung is processed into crispy chips that are very tasty. Not only that, gadung can also be consumed after being boiled. The characteristic of gadung is similar to soursop because it has protruding thorns on its surface and has a color similar to yam.

7. Carrot

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The next type of tuber is carrot. Carrot is a source of beta-carotene and has excellent antioxidants. The antioxidants in carrots function to eliminate free radicals and unstable molecules that can cause cell damage. Carrots are usually found in vegetable soup mixes. In addition, they can also be made into fresh and healthy juice.

8. Talas

Next, one type of tuber that you need to know is talas. Compared to sweet potatoes and cassava, talas is much larger in size. However, talas has a bland taste so it is not very delicious when consumed directly. Usually, steamed talas can be served with a dipping sauce such as liquid brown sugar. Or other delicious foods such as chips, ice cream, pudding, and various types of cakes.

This type of tuber has many benefits such as overcoming digestive problems, vision problems, high blood pressure, and many other good benefits.

9. Bengkoang

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This tuber plant is also quite popular in Indonesia. Yes, bengkoang, which has the characteristic of thick brown skin and white flesh, is also delicious when consumed. But that's not all, bengkoang is very beneficial for beauty.

In fact, there are many beauty products that use bengkoang as the main ingredient. Not only beneficial for beauty, bengkoang also has benefits such as improving digestion, heart health, enhancing brain function, and even weight loss.

10. Garut

For some people, hearing about this type of tuber is certainly unfamiliar. Garut itself has a distinctive shape like a bow and arrow. In addition, garut also has a soft and easily digestible texture. Don't worry, when you consume this, it will also make you feel full, so it is suitable as a substitute for rice.

Usually, garut is also used as a raw material for emping or dodol. The famous benefit of garut tubers is that they can help treat diarrhea and help restore body fluids.

Those are some of the most popular types of tubers in Indonesia. Which tuber is your favorite?

(kpl/dtm)