Wild sweet potato is a medicinal and edible wild fruit, also known as sweet potato soak. The whole plant contains latex, and the fruit is similar to loquat, so it is also called "ground loquat" in some areas. Now let's learn about the application value and edible methods of wild sweet potato!
【Application Value of Wild Sweet Potato】
1. Promoting blood circulation and removing obstruction in meridians
The whole plant of wild sweet potato can be used as medicine. Its vine is called sweet potato vine, and its important functions are dispelling wind, removing dampness, and promoting blood circulation and removing obstruction in meridians. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is often used to treat various diseases such as irritable bronchitis, rheumatism, bone pain, and edema. It can be taken internally after decoction or used externally.
2. Hemostasis and detoxification
Wild sweet potato has good hemostatic effect. When someone is bleeding uncontrollably due to an accident, crushing wild sweet potato and applying it directly to the injured area can effectively stop the bleeding.
It can also be used to treat snake bites. The method is the same as above, and it should be replaced daily to quickly eliminate toxins in the body.
3. Ornamental value
In addition to medicinal use, wild sweet potato can also be used for ornamental purposes. It can be made into hanging pots or directly planted in some garden scenic spots. Its stems and vines are lush and elegant, giving a feeling of green silk hanging down when fully grown.
Wild sweet potato can also be directly consumed by humans. It provides various essential vitamins and trace elements to the body, meeting the body's needs for multiple nutrients.
【Edible Methods of Wild Sweet Potato】
Wild sweet potato should be harvested when the fruit is ripe (from June to October), especially after the Dragon Boat Festival. Even if you are more than 20 meters away from the wild sweet potato, you can still smell its strong and pleasant fragrance, hence the name "fragrance all over the ground."
Wild sweet potato is cold-resistant, drought-resistant, shade-tolerant, barren-resistant, and water-resistant. Even if it is planted in sandy or rocky crevices where no grass grows, it will grow luxuriantly and full of greenery.
The fruit of wild sweet potato is spherical, with a diameter of 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters. The young fruit is green, and when it matures, it turns light red and emits a fragrant and sweet aroma.
It has high nutritional value, with complete essential nutrients and abundant dietary fiber, which can promote intestinal peristalsis and improve symptoms of indigestion and chronic constipation.
The method of eating wild sweet potato is similar to most fruits. You can peel it and eat it directly, or cut it open and scoop out the flesh with a small spoon.
In addition, when we are injured and bleeding in the wild, we can also use crushed wild sweet potato to stop the bleeding. It is especially suitable for the elderly, pregnant women, and people who are bedridden for a long time to consume.
【Cultivation Methods of Wild Sweet Potato】
Wild sweet potato is cold-resistant, drought-resistant, shade-tolerant, barren-resistant, and water-resistant. Even if it is planted in sandy or rocky crevices where no grass grows, it will grow luxuriantly and full of greenery.
It should be harvested when the fruit is ripe (from June to October), especially after the Dragon Boat Festival. Even if you are more than 20 meters away from the wild sweet potato, you can still smell its strong and pleasant fragrance, hence the name "fragrance all over the ground."
The cultivation area of wild sweet potato is small, and the yield is low. It mainly relies on natural growth. It has great potential for increasing production. Wild sweet potato can also be cultivated as a fruit, suitable for intercropping in orchards to convert traditional single-season orchards into double-season ones.
Wild sweet potato is very easy to propagate. In practical production, it is often propagated by cuttings. The best period for cutting propagation is from early March to early April when the temperature rises. Cut 1-year-old branches, 10-15 centimeters long, and the cutting substrate is not limited to fine sand or loam.
During the seedling stage, attention should be paid to watering and weeding. It has strong resistance and is suitable for extensive management. After planting, there is no need to change frequently or regularly prune artificially.
