Here is a new book on the diversity and ethnobotany of taro (Colocasia esculenta), one of the world’s most ancient food crops

We were particularly impressed by the chapter of Peter J. Metthews, an excell

ent account of taro’s history, with much useful information on its earliest uses over 20,000 years BP, a comprehensive section on taro’s nutritional qualities, the methods employed to remove anti-nutri tional factors, and the food culture associated with taro.

Highly recommended!

The Abstract (copied further down) and the link to downlaod plus other information is available on Bioveristy International’s web site here

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Abstract:

Taro is a staple crop for several hundred million small farmers and planters throughout the tropical world. Often associated with Asia and Pacific, it is also important in the Americas and Africa. This book explores the diversity of taros and their uses as well as the status of  taro genetic resources in all the major geographic regions where it is grown. While new market opportunities and taro’s versatility are responsible for its growing popularity in markets, diseases and climate change also pose ever greater threats to its production and distribution. By taking a global approach to the crop, the authors highlight ways to address new outbreaks of pathogens such as the Taro leaf blight in Africa. Diversity in cultivars is also important in coping and adapting to climate change especially when genetic diversity science and farmer knowledge can be brought together.