Unlocking the nutritional potential of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius: A district-level analysis in Himachal Pradesh

Abstract:

A tropical plant belonging to the Araceae family, elephant foot yams (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson) yield huge, spherical corms underneath. It is an essential source of nourishment for nations in transition and the oldest crop ever grown. It has long been used to treat a variety of illnesses. An exquisite component for additional value food products, EFY corm has a significant nutritional fibre content, low fat content, minerals (phosphorus, potassium and iron), and vitamins (A, B, niacin etc.). Researchers studying cuisine have expressed a lot of curiosity in compounds that are bioactive. This study investigates the nutritional composition and ethnomedicinal uses of A. paeoniifolius found in three distinct sites: Hamirpur, Kangra and Mandi. Our research reveals the potential of these plant species as a source of nutrition and medicine, highlighting the importance of preserving traditional knowledge.