Earth Gems or Ulluco in their native language have been further developed in New Zealand to produce an earthy flavour similar to baby beetroot, but with the texture of a new potato. The variety is exclusively grown by Fresh Direct LTD and offered by JP Exports to the international market for the first time this season.
Earth Gems mature slightly later than NZ Yams with harvest commencing early July. Earth Gems will only be available for the month of July this season.
“The growing season seems to have gone well with good conditions and quality should be excellent based on the sample harvests,” said Angus Curry from JP Exports.
“We can supply the Earth Gems in loose packed boxes of 5Kg or prepacked 500g retail bags delivered via sea in 20-40ft containers, part containers are also available. There can also be shipped via air freight from Auckland.”
Earth Gems are very versatile and preparation is simple, they are prewashed with no peeling necessary. Popular options include boiling them to toss through a salad, roasting whole, sliced and fried as chips or steamed.
JP Exports will also have NZ Yams or Oca as they are sometimes called for export for the first time in June.
“Our three varieties developed locally are Mellow Yellow, Almadale Delight and Inca Sunrise. NZ Yams are not to be confused with sweet potato, a different vegetable entirely. Although they can be used in a similar way, they do not require peeling. NZ Yams are very high in energy with a good source of folate, vitamin A, vitamin B6 and contain potassium at levels of dietary significance. Their yellow orange coloured flesh also indicates the presence of carotenoids.”
NZ Yams Sizes can be graded to suit orders and in small up to large sizes - 30mm – 80+mm. The yams can shipped via sea or air also in combination the Earth Gems.
For more information:
Angus Curry
JP Exports
Tel: +64 220114732
angus@JPexports.co.nz