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Air Potatoes: These black potato-shaped vegetables grow widely in Uttarakhand and are eaten like potatoes. They are called 'air potatoes' there. Its taste is also like potatoes. You will be surprised to know what kind of potatoes these are. They grow not in soil but in the air and each potato can weigh up to five hundred grams.
Why is it called 'Air Potato'?
Air potato grows mainly in Asia and Africa. It is said to be a native product of Nigeria. It is called air potato because it grows on vines above the ground. Its vines grow very fast and start growing rapidly after the monsoon. Its vegetable is also made and it can also be eaten by roasting or steaming.
Grows in Uttarakhand and Konkan belt
In India, it grows in Uttarakhand and hilly areas as well as in the Konkan belt. They are used as food as well as medicine.
It is also called as Gethi
It grows in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 2000 meters. It is also known as Gethi. Gethi, which looks like a potato, is hot in nature. These vines appear in the mountains after the rains in the months of October and November.
It is also mentioned in Charaka Samhita
The botanical name of Gethi is Dioscorea bulbifera. It is also written in Charak Samhita. It is beneficial in curing cough. It contains high amount of glucose and fiber. Due to this it also works as an energy booster. It also contains copper, iron, potassium, magnesium. It is a good source of vitamin B.
Comes to the market during winter season
It starts coming to the market during winters. Then its price ranges between Rs 70 to Rs 100 per kg. However, now its production is decreasing. It may also become extinct.
How are the leaves and vines?
Its leaves are arranged alternately along the stem. The leaves are eight inches long and almost as wide. Apart from this, the leaves are also heart-shaped. Thus air potato is a perennial creeper.
how many species are there in the world
A total of 600 species of Gathi are found in the whole world. These are black as well as pink, brown and green in colour. It is rich in fibre. Its consumption is especially beneficial in diabetes, cancer, respiratory diseases, stomach pain, leprosy and indigestion related problems.
However, in many parts of the US it is also considered a weed because it spreads rapidly and dominates other vegetation. It is being eradicated there. Efforts are being made to prevent it from spreading further.
Similarly, sweet potato is also a type of potato. In English it is called sweet potato. It is usually eaten by roasting or boiling. It is sweet to eat.