Colocasia

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Climate and soil

Temperatures of 20-30 degrees celsius. Single monsoon season lasting four months from June to September. Rainfall amount 700 mm/year. Basaltic soil (black cotton soil).

Seed to plant

Arvi is a tuber and propagates vegetatively. We planted a few arvi that we bought at the vegetable market. Plant all year round. We grow them in the shade of a wall.

Timeline and harvest

Plant all year round (avoid peak summer). Stalk to leaves in 3 weeks. They are ready to remove and cook in two months. 10 x 7 feet area gives a dozen plants through self-propagation. Each plant flowers and fruits only once. Gives 1 kilogram of arvi with market rate of Rs. 60/- once every month.

Treatment

Jeevamrutha - 1 part cow dung + 1 part cow urine + 0.2 parts jaggery + 0.2 parts pulse flour and some soil. Cover, keep in shade, mix thrice a day. Incubate and use. Apply once a month.

Ecosystem function

Butterfly larvae often feed on the large leaves of this plant.

Nutrition

Arvi leaves and tubers can be eaten. They are rich in carbohydrates, proteins and minerals. Some Arvi can cause slight itchiness at the back of your throat.

Storage

Arvi are similar to potatoes. Best place to store them is in the ground till you feel like eating them! They will also stay fresh in the fridge for several weeks. They can also be grown till they get a tough outer skin and stored in a cool and dry place.

Colocasia recipes

Alu-chi bhaji

Arvi fry

View all recipes!