Oca

Overview

Oca is a tuberous crop native to South America, they range in size from 25 to 150 mm in length by 25 mm in width; skin and flesh color may be white, cream, yellow, orange, pink, red, and/or purple and distributed in range of patterns. They have a lemony taste when used fresh in salads and once cooked in soups, stews or as a potato replacement acquire a nuttier flavour.

 

How to grow

Plant the small tubers in 15cm (6") pots of compost during early spring. Grow on in the greenhouse or windowsill and plant out at least 30cm apart, after risk of frost has passed. Some protection may be necessary until they are established. Each tuber makes quite a bushy plant with thick succulent stems and clover-like leaves. They will grow fast in cool wet weather and can smother weeds. Apply a general fertiliser and mulch well to conserve moisture.

 

How to Harvest

The tubers will start to grow in autumn when the temperatures drop and day length shortens. Harvest after the foliage has dropped off from late November. Lift the tubers carefully, dry and store in slatted trays or a hessian sack in a cool shed or garage. Tubers do not need covering against the light. Some tubers will sprout and can be used for the following year’s crop.

Issues

Generally untroubled by pests and diseases.