Kumaras are versatile, can be baked or stuffed as you would potatoes.
Kumara skin has a special sort of fibre which has a protective role against cancer, so leave the skins on when possible. The most nutrient-rich part of the kumara is the skin.
Kumara is a good-health heavyweight packed with anti-oxidants, vitamin E and beta carotene - all of them champions in the fight against cancer. Its high fibre assists cleansing & controlling food intake by helping you feel full. Its low Glycemic Index (GI) enables you to enjoy sustained energy levels
Also known as sweet potato, are naturally gluten-free
Store in a warm place - not the fridge.
Can be boiled, steamed, mashed, in soups, stir frys, on barbeques, or in pies or quiches.
Food experts around the world agree kumara is jam-packed with health benefits. A study in the United States showed that the nutritional value of kumara with its fibre, complex carbohydrates, protein, Vitamins A, C & E, iron & potassium achieved a score of 184 – outstripping its nearest rival by a full 100 points!
Virtually fat-free.
Kumara is the 7th most popular vegetable in New Zealand.
The huge health supporting values of the kumara together with its naturally very long life means that it has to be the single best vegetable for any family. It is a vegetable with substance.
Keeps you vital: A good source of vitamins A, B6, C, E & other essential nutrients such as calcium for bone health, iron for healthy blood & potassium which regulates both overall body fluid levels & blood pressure. Eat kumara to give your system excellent nutritional support.
Keeps you clean: With more dietary fibre than Oatmeal, kumara is an excellent means to ensure your digestive tract remains naturally cleansed & healthy.
Actively fights health risks: The best defence is offence & kumara is loaded with anti-oxidants that take the fight to the free-radicals; known triggers of cell deformity including cancers.
Delivers sustained energy: Kumara, with 100 calories per 100g latent energy delivered as Starchy Carbohydrates, convert sugar, which could go into storage (fat), into energy. Its Low GI Rating means its slow-release energy – the best type & ideal for sustained activity.
For a twist on shepherd’s or cottage pie, replace the traditional mashed potato topping with mashed kumara. For extra flavouring add crushed citrus rind, herbs, or finely chopped ginger.
Kumara adds sweetness and bulk to soups & curries, & works especially well with Thai & Indian flavours.
Make a creamy soup in a flash by cooking a chopped onion in a pot with a little olive oil. Add chopped kumara, carrot & ginger.
Add enough chicken or vegetable stock to cover the vegetables. Bring to the boil, reduce heat & simmer until cooked.
Puree with a stick blender.
Serve with a dollop of Greek yoghurt.
Kumaras love warm & spicy flavours... flavour with allspice, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, paprika, thyme & sage.
Click Here:
Kumara and Pumpkin Bake Recipe
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 kumara 150g
Average Quantity per serving |
% Daily intake per serve |
Average Quantity per 100g |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Energy (kJ/Cal) | 545/130 | 6% | 363/87 | |
Protein (g) | 1.9 | 4% | 1.3 | |
Fat, total (g) | 0.3 | 0% | 0.06 | |
- saturated (g) | 0.09 | 0% | 0.06 | |
Carbohydrate (g) | 28.2 | 9% | 18.8 | |
- sugars (g) | 7.8 | 9% | 5.2 | |
Dietary fibre (g) | 2.7 | 9% | 1.8 | Contains dietary fibre |
Sodium (mg) | 42 | 2% | 28 | |
Niacin (mg) | 4 | 40% RDI* | 2.7 | A good source of niacin |
Vitamin C (mg) | 48 | 121% RDI* | 32 | A source of vitamin C |
Potassium (mg) | 759 | 506 | Contains potassium | |
Vitamin B6 (mg) | 4 | 2% RDI* | 0.11 | |
Iron (mg) | 0.8 | 7% RDI* | 0.5 | |
Riboflavin (mg) | 0.11 | 6% RDI* | 0.07 | |
Vitamin A Equiv. (µg) | 29 | 4% RDI* | 20 | |
Vitamin E (mg) | 0.3 | 3% RDI* | 0.2 | |
Calcium (mg) | 24 | 3% RDI* | 16 | |
Zinc (mg) | 0.3 | 3% RDI* | 0.2 | |
Folate (µg) | 4 | 2% RDI* | 3 | |
Selenium (µg) | 0.2 | 0% RDI* | 0.1 | |
Thiamin (mg) | 0.15 | 14% RDI* | 0.1 |
Percentage Daily Intakes are based on an average adult diet of 8700 kJ
Your daily Intakes may be higher or lower depending on your energy needs.
*Recommended Dietary Intake (Average Adult)
Source: The Concise New Zealand Food Composition Tables, 12th Edition, Plant & Food Research - 2018