Elephant foot yam is a rustic delicacy in Nam Định, Vietnam. Apart from being a tonic herb in Oriental medicine, this tuber is also used to create various delectable dishes. Currently, elephant foot yam is highly sought after by traders. Why has this tuber become such a continuous hot seller? Let’s find out!
1. What is Elephant Foot Yam?
Elephant foot yam is a herbaceous plant that commonly grows wild on pond banks, swamps, or muddy areas. The tuber swells, becoming spongy and firm with a diameter of approximately 2.5 – 3 cm and a length of about 5 – 8 cm. During the winter, around November to December, the tubers are harvested, and the leaves and old sheaths are removed.
Elephant foot yam, a specialty of Nam Định
You can consume the fresh tuber directly or use it to prepare a variety of unique dishes. If you have any leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator. According to Oriental medicine, elephant foot yam has the effect of clearing heat, promoting urination, alleviating drunkenness, stimulating digestion, and reducing pain, among others. Additionally, Japanese scientists have found that regular consumption of this tuber helps moisturize and brighten the skin.
Elephant foot yam has a slightly sweet taste
2. Elephant Foot Yam Price
In recent years, elephant foot yam has become an exotic delicacy sought after by many traders, causing its price to increase annually. After harvesting, locals bundle the tubers into bunches of 10 and sell them.
Currently, elephant foot yam costs around 55,000 – 60,000 VND per bundle or 50,000 – 55,000 VND per kg. Compared to the previous year, the price has increased by 5,000 – 10,000 VND per bundle. If you travel to Nam Định around November, you can buy some elephant foot yam as a gift for your family or friends.
Elephant foot yam is usually bundled in sets of 10
3. Delicious Dishes Made with Elephant Foot Yam
Stir-fried Elephant Foot Yam with Eggs
The sweetness of elephant foot yam combined with the richness of eggs creates a novel flavor. In rural areas, people often eat stir-fried elephant foot yam with eggs alongside hot rice. Before serving, you can sprinkle some pepper and coriander on top. This dish is best enjoyed hot to experience the full range of flavors.
Stir-fried Elephant Foot Yam with Eggs
Elephant Foot Yam Salad
This dish is excellent for people with high blood pressure. Simply peel and boil the elephant foot yam until tender, then chop it into bite-sized pieces and mix with diced ham and fried eggs. Add a touch of seasoning such as sugar, pepper, sesame oil, fish sauce, salt, and MSG to taste, and it’s ready to be enjoyed!
Elephant Foot Yam Salad
Elephant Foot Yam Porridge
For those with diabetes, elephant foot yam porridge is a healthy option. The porridge is cooked with white rice, along with shredded wood ear mushrooms, minced pork, and elephant foot yam. After stir-frying the meat, mushrooms, and yam with a little salt, add this mixture to the porridge when it’s fully cooked. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes before serving.
Elephant Foot Yam Porridge
Stir-fried Elephant Foot Yam with Beef
Stir-fried elephant foot yam with beef is a cooling dish perfect for hot days. The flavor of this dish is quite unique, featuring a combination of the crisp sweetness of elephant foot yam and the nutty richness of beef. After turning off the heat, garnish with coriander and scallions, then serve it on a plate with a sprinkle of pepper.
Stir-fried Elephant Foot Yam with Beef
The information provided above offers valuable insights into the famous elephant foot yam of Nam Định, Vietnam. We hope that you can use this tuber to create a variety of delicious dishes. Thank you for reading!
