Livingstone potato

Coleus esculentus

root

Small tubers tasting of potato, grown in African gardens, boiled or roasted.

Origin

East and southern Africa

Where to find it

In the gardens of Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe; its tubers are sometimes sold at village markets.

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

The tubers are scrubbed or scraped, then boiled for about fifteen minutes; they are eaten cooked.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

It is a cousin of Cuban oregano: a mint-family plant that makes tubers.