Corms are underground storage organs that are swollen stems. These are found in plants that are grown as root crops, such as taro, yams, and arrowroot. Corms are used for food, medicine, and ornamental purposes. They are usually planted from seeds, but some varieties can be propagated through corms.
Cultivating corms is not an easy task. It requires the soil to be well-drained, moist, and fertile. The planting season depends on the variety of corms being grown, but generally, they are planted during the rainy season. It takes around seven to ten months for the corms to mature, during which they require regular watering and weeding.
Once the corms have matured, they can be harvested. Like most root crops, corms are usually dug out of the ground, cleaned, and then processed for storage. Corms harvested at the right time usually yield a good quality crop that can be sold as a cash crop.
Some of the most popular varieties of corms are taro, yams, and arrowroot. Taro is a staple food in many Asian countries, and its corms are used to make poi, a traditional dish in Hawaii. Yams are grown in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, and are used for cooking or as a substitute for potatoes. Arrowroot is a starch extracted from the corms of the arrowroot plant, which is used as a thickener in food.
Corms have several health benefits as well. They have a low glycemic index, which makes them ideal for people with diabetes. They are also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, some corms are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments like digestive disorders, inflammation, and fever.
In conclusion, corms are an important type of root crop that has been cultivated for centuries. They are valuable as a cash crop and have several uses in traditional medicines and cuisines. While growing corms can be challenging, its yield can be lucrative and essential for many regions where agriculture is an important means of livelihood.