Attribute | Specification |
Common Name | Taro / Colocasia / Arbi / Dasheen |
Botanical Name | Colocasia esculenta |
Color (Skin) | Brown to dark brown, often with rough, hairy texture |
Color (Flesh) | White, off-white, or pale purple (depending on variety) |
Shape | Oval to cylindrical, bulbous root (corm) |
Length | 5 to 20 cm |
Diameter | 4 to 10 cm |
Weight | 100 – 500 grams per corm (can be larger) |
Surface Texture | Rough, fibrous, and hairy skin |
Interior Texture | Firm, starchy, slightly sticky when cooked |
Taste | Mild, nutty, slightly sweet after cooking |
Odor | Earthy when raw; mild and nutty when cooked |
Moisture Content | Moderate |
Edible Parts | Corms (roots), young leaves and stems (after proper cooking) |
Storage Temperature | 8–12°C (Cool, dry storage recommended; avoid refrigeration) |
Shelf Life | 1 to 2 weeks (depends on humidity and storage conditions) |
Toxicity | Raw taro contains calcium oxalate; must be cooked before eating |
Common Uses | Boiled, Fried, Mashed, Curries, Chips, Stews |
Varieties | Eddoe (small, round), Dasheen (large, elongated) |