Vegetables with Edible Tubers or Roots 281 



Uses of dasheen. 



Much attention has been given to dasheens by the 

 United States Department of Agriculture. Different 

 varieties have been extensively introduced throughout 

 the southern states. The tubers, when cooked like pota- 

 toes, form a very appetizing dish. (See Plate XVI.) 

 They may be prepared in almost all ways that potatoes are 

 prepared. In preparing for use, it should be remembered 

 that the tubers and leaves are decidedly acrid. To prevent 

 irritation to the hands, the tubers should be handled in water 

 to which a teaspoonful of salsoda to a quart has been added. 



The young leaves when well cooked make a good vege- 

 table for greens. 



In Hawaii, taro has been in cultivation since before the 

 discovery of the islands by the Caucasian race. Poi is a 

 favorite dish prepared from this crop and may in a general 

 way be likened to oatmeal or grits as used in the United 

 States. 



Bulletins. 



Yautias, Taros, Dasheens, Bur. Plant Ind. Bulletin 164, 1910. 

 The Dasheen, a Root Crop for the Southern States, Bur. Plant 

 Ind. Circular 127, 1913. 



TANIER (Xanthosomd) 



Tanier is a staple vegetable in the West Indies and the 

 neighboring parts of Central and South America. It is 

 one of the aroid family, and is allied to dasheen. It is 

 called yautia in Porto Rico. It is sometimes confused 

 with the taro, but can be easily distinguished by its 



