Apios - One of the World's 3 Great Healthy Vegetables - Hodoimo - 5 Bulbs - Bulb Sales

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Apios is a vine-like perennial legume native to North America, and its edible part is the small tubers that grow in a bead-like chain underground. It is a crop that Native Americans have consumed as a source of nutrition, and in Japan, it is called Amerika Hodaimo or Hodaimo. It is said to have been introduced to Aomori Prefecture during the Meiji era, mixed with apple saplings imported from North America.

It has a teardrop shape resembling a Western pear, and its name comes from apion, the ancient Greek word for pear. They vary in size from as small as an almond to as large as a taro. Because they grow well even in cold climates, they became established in the Tohoku region and were once cherished as a valuable food source due to their storability and high nutritional value. In recent years, their rich nutrition and versatility in cooking have been re-evaluated, and with the growing health consciousness, they are once again attracting attention as one of the world's top three healthy vegetables (Apios, Jerusalem Artichoke, and Yacon).

Taste Characteristics

Apios is characterized by its fluffy texture and subtle sweetness. It has a mild flavor, with a sweetness that combines potato and sweet potato, a stickiness similar to taro, yet with a hint of bean flavor. Its thin skin is also appealing, allowing it to be cooked and eaten with the skin on.

The texture impression also changes with size, which is another characteristic of apios. Small ones are light and cook quickly, while larger ones are starchier and their sweetness and richness are enhanced when steamed or simmered. They are versatile and can be used in a wide range of cooking methods, including frying, boiling, steaming, and roasting.