Yacon Syrup: Nature’s Sweetener

What is Yacon?

Yacon, often referred to as the “Peruvian ground apple,” is a root vegetable native to the Andes, now flourishing in the fertile soils of Darjeeling. Its crisp texture and naturally sweet flavor make it a delightful addition to any diet. Beyond its taste, yacon is rich in fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a type of prebiotic that nourishes beneficial gut bacteria, promoting digestive health and enhancing nutrient absorption.

Packed with antioxidants, Vitamins A and C, and essential minerals like calcium and iron, Yacon is a powerhouse of nutrition. Its low-calorie, high-fiber profile makes it perfect for weight management and maintaining balanced blood sugar levels.

Recognizing Yacon’s potential, TIEEDI introduced its cultivation to the Darjeeling hills, partnering with local farmers to promote sustainable agriculture. This initiative has been transformative, with farmers like Saroj Tamang and Pampha Dewan witnessing a fivefold increase in their winter incomes. This financial upliftment has revitalized the community, reducing migration to urban areas and preserving the region’s rich agricultural heritage.

Yacon cultivation aligns with TIEEDI’s mission to promote eco-friendly practices and social equity. By encouraging organic farming, it reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers, ensuring healthier produce and soil. Additionally, the crop’s resistance to wildlife damage helps mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, a growing concern in Darjeeling.

Why Yacon?

For Your Health

• Gut Health: Supports digestion and immunity.
• Weight Management: Low-calorie and naturally sweet.
• Blood Sugar Balance: A low-glycemic alternative to sugar.

For the Community

Through TIEEDI’s sustainable initiatives, Yacon farming is transforming the lives of Darjeeling’s local farmers.

For the Planet

Yacon is cultivated with minimal environmental impact. By choosing Yacon, you’re directly supporting sustainable farming and helping reduce the carbon footprint of agricultural activities.

Why Choose Yacon Syrup from TIEEDI?

• Authentic and Pure: Sourced from Darjeeling’s hills, crafted with care, and 100% organic.
• Support Local Farmers & Communities: Every purchase uplifts hardworking farmers and artisans who craft this miracle nectar.
• Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Yacon is a low-maintenance, high-yield crop. Organic farming practices, such as bio-composting, enhance the quality of the harvest and encourage more farmers to adopt sustainable methods.

When you choose this Yacon syrup, you’re not just buying a product—you’re becoming part of a story. A story where sweetness uplifts communities, sustainability meets innovation, and the hills of Darjeeling whisper their gratitude with every spoonful.

How is Yacon Syrup Made?

1. Harvesting: Fresh Yacon roots are handpicked during peak season.
2. Cleaning and Preparation: The roots are thoroughly washed and peeled.
3. Juice Extraction: The sweet Yacon juice is carefully extracted.
4. Concentration: The juice is gently simmered to remove excess water, transforming it into a rich, molasses-like syrup.
5. Packaging: The syrup is bottled with care, ensuring a shelf life of up to a year.

Empowering Local Farmers: The Faces Behind Yacon

Farmers like Saroj Tamang and Pampha Dewan exemplify the spirit of sustainable agriculture in Darjeeling. Saroj, a farmer from Rajahatta, has cultivated Yacon for over five years, valuing its low-maintenance nature and rising market demand. Partnering with TIEEDI has allowed him to transform his produce into Yacon syrup, minimizing waste and expanding market reach.

Pampha, a trailblazer from Rangbul and vice-chairperson of her block’s Women’s Cooperative, started Yacon cultivation three years ago. She has inspired fellow farmers and small landowners to grow Yacon, emphasizing its feasibility and health benefits. Her vision includes integrating Yacon farming with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to build a collective business model.

Both Saroj and Pampha illustrate how Yacon cultivation is not just a means of livelihood but also a path toward community development and sustainability.