New Zealand Earth Gems and yam roots available for export for the first time

Yam

Melloco

New Zealand

Published Jun 9, 2021

Tridge summary

Earth Gems, or Ulluco in their native language, have been further developed in New Zealand to give an earthy taste similar to baby beet, but with the texture of a new potato. The variety is grown exclusively by Fresh Direct and will be offered to the international market for the first time this season by JP Exports. Earth Gems ripen slightly later than NZ yams and harvest begins in early July. Earth Gems will only be available during the month of July this season.

Original content

Angus Curry from JP Exports: "The growing season seems to have gone well with good conditions and the quality should be excellent based on the harvest samples." “We can supply the Earth Gems in 5kg loose packed cartons or 500g prepackaged retail bags, delivered by sea in 20-40ft containers, partial containers are also available. Shipping can also be via air freight from Auckland.” Earth Gems are very versatile and preparation is easy, they are pre-washed and do not need to be peeled. Popular options include cooking them into salads, roasting them whole or slicing them and frying them as chips or steamed. JP Exports will also have NZ almonds or Oca, as they are sometimes called, for export for the first time in June. "Our three locally developed varieties are Mellow Yellow, Almadale Delight and Inca Sunrise. NZ Yams are not to be confused with sweet potato, which is a very different vegetable. Although they can be used in the same way, they do not need to be peeled. NZ Yams are ...

Source: AGF