Oca

The pinkish-white underground tubers of the oca are full of nutrients, and have a spicy, lemon flavour when eaten raw in a salad. When you cook oca, it tastes slightly nutty. As the bushy plant is ornamental, it’s also ideal as a container plant.

Where to sow

Oca will thrive in a well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny or partially shady spot.

How to maintain

Apply a general fertiliser when the plants are in growth and mulch with well-rotted compost in summer. Water well, particularly from September, when the tubers are forming.

Protect the tender underground tubers of oca from frost

Oca is high in nutrients and low in calories