62 VEGECW/TURE 



growth in heat and planted out afterwards. The stems spread 

 to a considerable extent, and require earthing-up to induce 

 tuber-formation ; these stems are killed by the advent of frost, 

 and the tubers are then lifted and stored. When fresh, the 

 Oka tubers are unpleasantly acid, but this can be altered by 

 hanging them up in bags to dry in the sun or a warm room, 

 when they become sweet and floury. If kept thus hanging for 

 several weeks they shrivel up, and in that state resemble in 

 flavour dried Figs. The tubers are of good size, and may be 

 eaten raw, in addition to the young shoots and leaves, as a 

 salad. 



