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Arbi (taro root) is a perennial tropical plant that thrives in warm, humid conditions. The plant's leaves, often called taro or colocasia leaves, are large, heart-shaped, and green, making them visually appealing in the garden. Arbi is grown primarily for its starchy underground tubers, which are rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins. Both the tubers and leaves are commonly used in various culinary dishes.
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In Indian kitchens, arbi is used to make a wide range of delicious dishes. The roots can be boiled, fried, or roasted and are often spiced with cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Arbi curry, for example, features the tubers in a tangy yoghurt or tomato-based gravy. Crispy arbi fry or tawa arbi is also popular dish . The leaves are also used in recipes like patra, where they are spiced, rolled, and steamed.
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Arbi is delicious and has a bunch of health benefits. offers several health benefits. It's rich in dietary fibre, which helps in digestion and promotes gut health. Arbi is a good source of complex carbohydrates and contains essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin C. The tuber's low glycemic index makes it suitable for people with diabetes. Arbi is also gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities. Follow these steps to grow this incredible vegetable at home.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Ideal Growing Conditions
Arbi is a tropical plant, so it thrives in warm climates. It grows well in temperatures between 25-35°C. It can tolerate some shade, but it needs a fair amount of sunlight for proper growth.
Well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter is ideal for arbi. Heavy clay soils are not suitable because they can hold too much moisture, leading to rotting of the tubers.
Taro is a water-loving plant and needs consistent moisture. The soil should be kept moist at all times, especially during the growing season. In dry areas, irrigation may be required.
Choosing The Right Variety Of Arbi
There are different varieties of arbi, some of which are grown for their edible leaves, while others are cultivated for their tubers. When growing at home, it’s important to select a variety based on your purpose. For example, tuber-focused varieties are grown for their large, starchy roots, ideal for dishes like arbi curry or fritters. Leaf-focused varieties are selected if you want to use the colocasia leaves to make dishes like patra or colocasia leaf curry or the Bengali Kochu Pata Chingri.
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Planting Arbi
In tropical regions, arbi can be planted at any time of the year, but it is best planted at the start of the rainy season.To grow arbi, you'll need seed tubers. These are small, healthy, disease-free taro corms or pieces of corms that have a few growing points or buds. You can get them at a nursery.
Plant the seed tubers in the soil at a depth of about 3-4 inches, with the growing points facing upwards. Space the tubers about 12-18 inches apart to give them room to grow. If planting in rows, leave about 24 inches between rows. Mulching around the base of the plants with straw or leaves helps retain moisture, regulate temperature, and prevent weeds from growing.
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Caring for Arbi Plants
Arbi plants require regular care to ensure healthy growth. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Arbi can handle wet soil better than many other plants, but you still need to avoid soggy, waterlogged conditions. Arbi is a heavy feeder and requires nutrient-rich soil. Apply organic compost or well-rotted manure before planting. During the growing season, apply a balanced fertiliser every 4-6 weeks.
Arbi is susceptible to pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap. Taro is also prone to fungal diseases, especially in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation around the plants and avoid overwatering to reduce the risk of fungal infections.
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Harvesting Arbi
The time to harvest arbi depends on the variety and growing conditions but generally ranges from 7 to 10 months after planting. If you're growing arbi for its leaves, you can start harvesting them once they are fully grown, but make sure to leave some leaves on the plant for it to continue growing. The leaves of the arbi plant will start to turn yellow and die back when the tubers are mature and ready to harvest. Carefully dig up the plants to avoid damaging the tubers. Wash them thoroughly to remove the soil.
Storing and Using Arbi
After harvesting, arbi tubers can be stored in a cool, dry place for a few weeks. To extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them. Use the tubers in various recipes, such as curries, fries, or steamed dishes. The leaves can be used fresh or frozen for later use.
