Origins
by Susel Fagan – Feb 28, 2020
Yacon is a perennial plant found in Peru, Bolivia, Northern Argentina, as well as in Nepal. It is one of the many organic crops that Global Family Farms fosters, to create economic opportunities for communities in rural Nepal.
Once harvested, mineral rich juice is extracted from the yacon tubers and slowly heated to yield a golden brown syrup with a delicious, fruity flavor. Unlike other sweeteners, yacon is high in FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides), a family of prebiotics, known to promote growth of probiotics (healthy intestinal microbiological populations) and improve digestive health.
Yacon is also a low calorie, low-glycemic index sweetener, and therefore may be helpful to those with blood sugar sensitivities or metabolic syndrome. However, if you have such conditions, as always, be sure to consult your physician before using.