AFRICAN POTATO MINT - An edible root that comes from a mint plant

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  • Опубліковано 13 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 233

  • @WeirdExplorer
    @WeirdExplorer  Рік тому +20

    For more amazing plants (that aren't fruit), check out this playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PLvGFkMrO1ZxKAhdZh1nqHTttsg6q5t-Mk.html

    • @alessandromariani3015
      @alessandromariani3015 Рік тому

      I'm looking for a fruit that is similar to a tomato, it's so hard to find sour and salty fruits and i'm pretty sure it's possible to find one that isn't related to solanales or asteridi in general.

    • @forevertj
      @forevertj Рік тому

      Time to move to Florida Jared. Best governor in the country.

    • @kamranrowshandel6395
      @kamranrowshandel6395 Рік тому

      Plant the potato mint and try to eat the leaves

  • @JohnBozon
    @JohnBozon Рік тому +109

    That's shape 😂😂

    • @cann5565
      @cann5565 Рік тому +10

      A tid bit phallic

    • @JohnBozon
      @JohnBozon Рік тому +2

      @@cann5565 🤣🤣🤣🤣

    • @notbrent
      @notbrent Рік тому +4

      video released 1 hour ago...comment posted 2 days ago 🤔

    • @applegal3058
      @applegal3058 Рік тому +8

      ​@@notbrentI'm guessing Jared has a community or subscription service where members get early access to his videos.

    • @ComicSansMcGee
      @ComicSansMcGee Рік тому +2

      Shoulda been the thumbnail lol

  • @elizabethmcglothlin5406
    @elizabethmcglothlin5406 Рік тому +256

    I was hoping for a mint-flavored potato!

  • @Erewhon2024
    @Erewhon2024 Рік тому +87

    Coming from West Africa (which gets little frost), the "extreme weather" is probably heat (bad for true potatoes, which came from high in the Andes), drought, humidity &/or heavy rain, not cold. If it can be productive in a short, seasonal cycle, it could be grown as a "tender bulb," planted out in spring and harvested for storage (use and replanting) in the fall, probably after frost kill, the way sweet potatoes are grown in most of the USA, but that is all I am comfortable claiming as regards frosts.

    • @markiangooley
      @markiangooley Рік тому +8

      Apparently it can be grown fairly easily here in south Florida. It’s entirely new to me.

    • @greenchristendom4116
      @greenchristendom4116 Рік тому +8

      @@markiangooley Pete Kanaris grows it, and he's a bit farther North. He does grow it, under tree cover which is more protected from the frost.

    • @DoItYourselfGardening
      @DoItYourselfGardening 4 місяці тому +3

      @@greenchristendom4116I have a cutting I bought from Pete. I have now almost 30 cuttings from that and they get actual full sun, 12+ hours a day barely water.I’ve trained them this way by neglect but when potted up they take off and when you prune them right you can get better root growth. I’m going to work more this fall on a hill mulching style to see how big they can get and I have personally cooked them and tried them. Tastes like an earthy potato to me.

  • @Bein_Ian
    @Bein_Ian Рік тому +43

    You really started the video holding the most phallic one 😂😂😂

    • @johnnyearp52
      @johnnyearp52 Рік тому

      Of course! More curious people watch

  • @gunnarthegumbootguy7909
    @gunnarthegumbootguy7909 Рік тому +18

    It's crazy how many very dissimilar plants there are in the mint/salvia family and a lot of them can cross between species which makes even more interesting and weird combinations

  • @disbemetube
    @disbemetube Рік тому +41

    I'm growing a plant called Crosne or chinese artichoke that is also an edible tuberous mint, though the tubers look less potatoey, more like a rattlesnake tail. Thanks for the interesting video!

    • @WeirdExplorer
      @WeirdExplorer  Рік тому +14

      Interesting!

    • @Youdontknowmeson1324
      @Youdontknowmeson1324 Рік тому +13

      I have Chinese artichoke I want to grow a relative of them called Florida betony it a native tuberous mint it makes bigger tubers then Chinese artichoke but said to be less cold hardy.

    • @disbemetube
      @disbemetube Рік тому +6

      @@Youdontknowmeson1324 I've had no luck finding seeds for Florida Betony. Down south I've heard it grows like an invasive weed.

    • @zaneymay
      @zaneymay Рік тому +4

      I've tried both. Chinese artichoke and Florida betony.

    • @Green.Country.Agroforestry
      @Green.Country.Agroforestry Рік тому +4

      Our crosnes are doing really well so far. Tasted the leaves, they are not the least bit minty (but i had to check 😁)

  • @itsbipbip3355
    @itsbipbip3355 Рік тому +33

    I JUST PLANTED THESE GUYS IN ONE OF MY ROOT BOXES THIS MONTH SO IM SUPER EXCITED TO SEE YOU COVERING IT😭💖

  • @tffcaesar569
    @tffcaesar569 Рік тому +41

    There’s three species of Potato Mint. The one you examined is Coleus rotundifolius, which has more compact, oval-shaped tubers (I grow this one, the others are hard to find). Coleus esculentus has very long, thin tubers, and Coleus edulis tubers are also on the longer side.

    • @Oysters176
      @Oysters176 11 місяців тому +1

      The last one sorta looks like Oca right?

    • @Hellothere149able
      @Hellothere149able 10 місяців тому +1

      Are there any varieties that can survive in zone 7?

  • @brunab2668
    @brunab2668 Рік тому +7

    If you ever come to Rio de Janeiro or Belém, there are 2 places i strongly recommend you to visit. One is called Sorveteria Benza (former Sorveteria Cairu, which appeared at the NYT) and the other one is Sorveteria Blaus. Both are ice cream shops specialized in fruits found in the Amazon forest. Taperebá, muruci, uxi tucumã are some of the flavors you can find there, a true delight!

  • @Handles_AreStupid
    @Handles_AreStupid Рік тому +2

    *Just an FYI to anyone wanting to grow this:*
    Even tho he says it is tolerant of frost in the video, it isn't actually cold tolerant. If you live in USDA zones 8 or lower, you cannot grow this plant in ground all year. You can lift the tubers and replant, but anything left in ground is unlikely to resprout. If you live in USDA zones 9 - 11, you're in luck. This plant is drought tolerant and can tolerate brief periods of extreme heat.

  • @matejmcnally8770
    @matejmcnally8770 Рік тому +9

    I'm actually growing this after looking for a vendor of it for ages. It's insane with the history behind it, especially in South Africa.
    Although not good with frost

    • @RolloTonéBrownTown
      @RolloTonéBrownTown Рік тому +2

      Yeah i wouldn't think an African crop would be particularly frost tolerant. I'm sure in the mountainous regions of Africa they might have some perhaps

  • @tonixsite
    @tonixsite Рік тому +27

    African Potato Mint - okay. Actually deserves a like.

  • @thoomish3556
    @thoomish3556 Рік тому +2

    Anything tuber that fries up like a potato would surely benefit from blanching in lower temp oil, cooling and frying again at high temps. That's how we do chips in england (for fish n chips ofc)

  • @dragonpaws
    @dragonpaws Рік тому +3

    Water chestnut (the kind you get in chinese food) is in the genus anacharis, one of which is an extremely invasive weed in the us and another which is a popular aquarium ornamental plant! The flavor of water chestnut is nothing to write home about, but i love how connected our world is by plant life

  • @DeathMetalDerf
    @DeathMetalDerf Рік тому +9

    What a perfect way to end my afternoon, a new Weird Explorer video!!! These are really interesting and I've never heard of them before. I'll have to look into it because I have started to grow fruits and vegetables (thanks to inspiration from you and your channel) and I'm always looking for hardy, grows well, and can deal with the extremes that the weather in WNY can sometimes bring. Thanks again! I hope everyone is doing well and having a great day!

  • @frankmacleod2565
    @frankmacleod2565 Рік тому +15

    330K subscribers and the number keeps climbing. Steady growth and you still have thousands of fruits to review

  • @zaneymay
    @zaneymay Рік тому +10

    You did an awesome job. Thanks

  • @Verlisify
    @Verlisify Рік тому +1

    Ok. That's the weirdest thing. I watched every video, commented on a lot of them, but suddenly stopped getting recommended when you had your super viral video of eating every fruit and just realized I haven't seen anything from the channel til now

  • @AwesomeFish12
    @AwesomeFish12 Рік тому +2

    Stachys affinis, the "Chinese artichoke" is another "mint" grown for it's edible tubers. It's fun to grow these things, they can grow well in a pot on a balcony.

  • @bhatvasumathi8493
    @bhatvasumathi8493 Рік тому +2

    We have this in Southern part of India,we use these as vegetable in our recipes, here it is seasonal veggi, in winter we get it

  • @David0lyle
    @David0lyle Рік тому +4

    🤔 That is FANTASTIC just as weird as the day is long. Part of what drew me to your channel is that I needed ideas for plants in my fantasy worlds.
    Ideas hell, I’m going to make most of them real. 🤔 Just weird.

  • @RussellB
    @RussellB Рік тому +6

    out of all the sounds from the past 10 minutes, the barely noticeable sound of your cat pawing at the litter box woke up my cat from his deep slumber

  • @garydeforve5055
    @garydeforve5055 Рік тому +6

    I recently found out that Sagebrush, which is so prolific in the united states souwest is also a mint.
    It smells amazing. More lavendery.

    • @Erewhon2024
      @Erewhon2024 Рік тому +7

      Sage is a mint. Sagebrush is an Artemisia (wind pollinated daisy in the same genus as tarragon and wormwood), not a mint.

    • @wisecoconut5
      @wisecoconut5 Рік тому +2

      ​@@Erewhon2024 Yes, true! But it smells like heaven on your campfire! Not really the same subject : moose steak actually tastes like the willow they eat. The flavor is very similar to rosemary.

  • @twinsgardening896
    @twinsgardening896 Рік тому +1

    Have you tried florida hedgenettle root yet? Scientific name Stachys floridana. It's related to mint, and grows white segmented tubers. It's also apparently called grubroot and rattlesnake root. I'm growing some because bees love the flowers, but haven't tried the roots yet, apparently they taste really good!

  • @isaaco5679
    @isaaco5679 Рік тому

    Reminds me of day lilies. They have tiny rhizomes on the roots that you can harvest. You can even replant the flower and get another crop later in the year.

  • @Natepwnsu
    @Natepwnsu Рік тому +1

    i guess I am still a small child, Because I was giggling at how phallic that looked.

  • @blackmber
    @blackmber Рік тому +5

    Have you ever tried spider plant tubers? I’ve heard they’re edible but I had trouble finding information about how it should be eaten

  • @travisporco
    @travisporco Рік тому

    I like these when you get into unusual vegetables as well.

  • @nferraro222
    @nferraro222 Рік тому +2

    Going off-topic, but there is also, weirdly enough, a Chocolate Mint plant and yeah, it tastes EXACTLY like mint-chocolate candy. I'd recommend that to anyone who is good at growing plants (not me). I'm on the east coast of the US and I just bought it at a plant store, so it must be fairly common.

    • @eekee6034
      @eekee6034 Рік тому +1

      30 seconds ago, I didn't know this plant existed. Now, I need it! :D

    • @Ithirahad
      @Ithirahad Рік тому

      I found that it SMELLS like mint-chocolate candy, and mostly just tastes like mint.

    • @nferraro222
      @nferraro222 Рік тому

      There might be different styles - I'm definitely not a "green thumb" guy. The one I had actually had a "dark baking chocolate" flavor to it. @@Ithirahad

  • @RikaMiarunua
    @RikaMiarunua Рік тому +1

    Have you tried Sassafras, the "root beer root", Black liquorish root, Yarrow, wild mustard flowers, wild strawberries, or wild honey suckle flower?
    Btw I love the contents of your shows and I wanted to thank you for it^^

  • @flamethrowex
    @flamethrowex Рік тому +1

    oh coleus! in australia we have some varieties of native coleus with edible tubers too, such as Plectranthus graveolens/Native cockspurr

  • @noahgreene7282
    @noahgreene7282 Рік тому

    We grow these in North Central Florida, great plant it's a beautiful coleus that can take all the heat with ease

  • @Astroponicist
    @Astroponicist Рік тому

    Thanks again for yet another little heard of edible. I alway like your videos. hope you are doing well.

  • @crumbtember
    @crumbtember Рік тому +1

    ain't nothing wrong with a little phallus ;) you should do a series on underappreciated phallic fruits, and one on yonic fruits!

  • @OzkAltBldgCo-bv8tt
    @OzkAltBldgCo-bv8tt Рік тому +1

    @WeirdExplorer Since you do tubers I hope that you will do yuca cassava ,oca , Chinese sweet potato, Jerusalem artichokes and Chinese artichokes, yacon, mashua
    There's also three different types of New Zealand tubers kumara, taputini, and rakamaroa

    • @WeirdExplorer
      @WeirdExplorer  Рік тому +1

      I've done a few of those! they are on the "amazing plants" playlist

    • @OzkAltBldgCo-bv8tt
      @OzkAltBldgCo-bv8tt Рік тому

      @@WeirdExplorer thanks man when I was in Panama with my girlfriend then her sister made three potato salad it had yacon, potato Peru purple potato when she mixed it all together with the mayonnaise the purple bleeded turning the potato salad violet color. It was very delicious. Thanks again man for the work that you do.

  • @alinyahh1952
    @alinyahh1952 Рік тому +1

    Hello, i don't know if you've tried it yet but here in Perú, we have this amazing fruit called Noni, another called Lúcuma too and camu camu. You should try Lúcuma, it's very delicious.

    • @YunxiaoChu
      @YunxiaoChu Рік тому

      He has done noni and lúcuma

  • @Ruktiet
    @Ruktiet Рік тому +3

    You keep finding them, Jared: ways to keep us entertained. I hope you never run out. Thanks for making my evening a little more cozy and wholesome, and expanding my knowledge on realizing a self-sustainable farm one day.

  • @Ama-Elaini
    @Ama-Elaini 11 місяців тому

    The way you describe it makes it sound like the Nordic "new potatoes". Basically potatoes but specific to summer season. They receive sunlight most of the day and are harvested before they reach full size or starchiness, resulting in sweeter, juicier tuber that's easy to peel.

  • @fabulousme1364
    @fabulousme1364 Рік тому

    This is known as koorka in Kerala quite hard to peel the skin off.We soak it in water overnight and then next day peel the skin off or you can soak it so that the mud gets removed and boil it and then peel the skin off.Better to soak it and then peel chopped into pieces we sauté it in oil with chilli and salt tastes great when crispy 😊

  • @capnstewy55
    @capnstewy55 Рік тому +17

    I wonder if you could make a sauce out of its leaves to use on its cooked roots.

  • @m00nf0lk2
    @m00nf0lk2 Рік тому +1

    Sounds maybe a bit like yucca? Looks fun! I would love to try it.

  • @DonnaBarrHerself
    @DonnaBarrHerself Рік тому

    Western Washington State has very dry summers. I'd love to try growing it.

  • @extropiantranshuman
    @extropiantranshuman Рік тому

    I'm happy for watching this video. I try to find alternatives to nightshades - so this is great!

  • @singagency1481
    @singagency1481 Рік тому +1

    Even your cat has its own backyard 😸

  • @jolus6678
    @jolus6678 Рік тому

    This has become a popular groundcover-type backyard plant here in Florida for people that like edible landscaping. I had it but apparently it doesn't tolerate moist shade because it died out during a rainy period. I believe I read that the leaves of the plant are poisonous.

  • @Ecato
    @Ecato Рік тому

    Also since you mention that it was somewhat bitter I wonder if you could try some of your more bitter items like rowan again but see how miracle berry improves the taste

  • @get6149
    @get6149 Рік тому

    Some sunflowers also have potatoes type roots
    Its called a Jerusalem artichoke the roots actually look more like ginger but ive been told thay taste similar to potatoes

  • @censusgary
    @censusgary Рік тому +1

    A lot of plants in the Coleus genus have edible leaves.

  • @dustin860
    @dustin860 Рік тому

    Where'd you get that bowl?!? That thing is beautiful!

  • @seebastian5834
    @seebastian5834 Рік тому +3

    Was wondering about the scientific name so I did some googling... Coleus rotundifolius? Apparently there's also related species C. esculentus and C. maculosus subsp. edulis, but I think those are shaped differently..?

    • @pattheplanter
      @pattheplanter Рік тому

      I have had Coleus rotundifolius from Indian shops in the UK. Though African in origin as well, it is very popular in India. It is regarded as a cure for dysentery. Coleus esculentus was the name he gave for this one, though they are easily confused unless you see the flowers.

  • @Oysters176
    @Oysters176 8 місяців тому

    You should try Zombi-Pea Roots. They are from Africa. Winged Bean Tubers also if you have not tried them, from Asia.

  • @toericabaker
    @toericabaker Рік тому

    this looks crazy yummy

  • @Poperin
    @Poperin Рік тому +1

    You have not tried marita yet! Content for ages hahahaha

    • @WeirdExplorer
      @WeirdExplorer  Рік тому

      I have an episode filmed on it. Its really an interesting fruit!

  • @vladimirramos9793
    @vladimirramos9793 Рік тому

    You are literally living my dream

  • @WetDoggo
    @WetDoggo Рік тому

    This would be great for potatoes and mint tea

  • @chir0pter
    @chir0pter Рік тому

    0:02 definitely shoulda been the thumbnail lol

  • @jefferywise1906
    @jefferywise1906 Рік тому

    Consider nutritional value as well. Higher protein and vitamins or similar to common potato?
    Potato mint is a better overall food source. It grows in places a potato would not thrive in. It looks like it could be a great alternative crop in dry climates where irrigation is available. It’s drought tolerant, but likes a nice watering once a week. Neutral soils a good water no frost or cold temperatures and it’s worth considering as a crop. Family homestead style at least.

  • @alhill975
    @alhill975 Рік тому +1

    if it can be eaten raw, might be good pickled, with the crunch

  • @wpc456cpw
    @wpc456cpw Рік тому

    CAT!!! Please, more cat cameos.

  • @pootis5938
    @pootis5938 Рік тому

    You always suprise me and im in to rare plant how even doe you find this obsucure things

  • @keptleroymg6877
    @keptleroymg6877 Рік тому

    Did you eat american tubers like spring beauty ect?

  • @SnarkNSass
    @SnarkNSass Рік тому

    OMG was very phallic looking 😂😂😂😂😂

  • @robertmoreau8663
    @robertmoreau8663 Рік тому

    Did you like Canada, and did you like the fruits you found in Montréal?

  • @tedarcher9120
    @tedarcher9120 15 днів тому

    Weird that so many unrelated plants be like "I'm a potato"!

  • @Doom2pro
    @Doom2pro Рік тому +2

    Due to their small size I'd make mashed potatos or a pot roast with them. Could be interesting 🤔

  • @lucymiau5700
    @lucymiau5700 Рік тому +10

    Still need more Cat representation.
    The frying ability of this non-potato might come from the sugar inside.

  • @skyd.2084
    @skyd.2084 Рік тому

    Oh wow how cool is that 😮

  • @matt_r.2510
    @matt_r.2510 Рік тому

    Great video.

  • @gearsmoke
    @gearsmoke Рік тому

    I wonder how it compares to Claytonia Virginica.

  • @RolloTonéBrownTown
    @RolloTonéBrownTown Рік тому

    Lmao i was watching this with my parents so i had to restrain myself from shouting "WHY IS HE HOLDING A TINY **** AND ***** UP TO THE CAMERA?!"😂

  • @FishareFriendsNotFood972
    @FishareFriendsNotFood972 5 місяців тому

    Can it be grown in places with a colder climate? (AKA snow)

    • @vynguyen6376
      @vynguyen6376 4 місяці тому

      It needs 6 months full sun

  • @BiraneMoore
    @BiraneMoore Рік тому

    That first one made me Gasp a lil 😂

  • @searose6192
    @searose6192 Рік тому

    Surprised that it doesn’t taste like mint. I grow many varieties of mint and all them require frequent pulling to keep in check. The roots are all very minty.
    Did this smell minty?

  • @FalloftheNoldor
    @FalloftheNoldor Рік тому

    The link to your shirt isn’t working, and I can’t copy paste it on my phone

    • @WeirdExplorer
      @WeirdExplorer  Рік тому

      Oh! I didn't notice that. thanks for pointing that out. It should work now

  • @jamestaylor3805
    @jamestaylor3805 Рік тому

    So fewer ingredients needed to make a New England Needham? A "peppermint pattie" made with potato and coconut with a mint flavoring all sheathed in chocolate.

  • @CobraRaptor
    @CobraRaptor Рік тому +2

    Wonder how it would taste with cheese

  • @Matthew-pn1qu
    @Matthew-pn1qu Рік тому

    Nice video. When will you review the Gum Gum Fruit?

    • @WeirdExplorer
      @WeirdExplorer  Рік тому

      Here you go
      ua-cam.com/video/C-JphyOgEvU/v-deo.html

  • @PlantObsessed
    @PlantObsessed Рік тому

    Lol i was hoping for mint flavored potatoes 😮

  • @chill8362
    @chill8362 Рік тому

    Ah, yes. Menthol mash. My fave side dish.

  • @SenorKuso
    @SenorKuso Рік тому +2

    That mint-potato at the beginning be like: 🍆

  • @jerrydavis3804
    @jerrydavis3804 Рік тому

    Yes .. this is also called Chinese potato in India....it is very commonly used in Kerala (India)....it goes very well combined with dry and gravy beef.....good and very tasty ...no doubt better than normal potato.

  • @jasonsummit1885
    @jasonsummit1885 Рік тому

    So would be comparable to the Jerusalem artichoke?

  • @twilightraven1232
    @twilightraven1232 Рік тому

    I would love to grow this!

  • @xpression4903
    @xpression4903 Рік тому

    Lol a little phallic 😂😂😂

  • @aLiveanddirect
    @aLiveanddirect Рік тому

    So what exactly makes it a rude vegetable?

  • @sarahmanalapan8443
    @sarahmanalapan8443 Рік тому +1

    Are the leaves edible too id assume so.

    • @Erewhon2024
      @Erewhon2024 Рік тому

      Mint family, not Mentha (mint) genus. It is actually a type of Coleus, a genus with some edible leaves (C. amboinicus, Cuban oregano, though originally from East Africa) but not all are edible. The one planted for its vividly variegated foliage (C. scuttellarioides?) is not. Some members of the mint family (e.g. Salvia coccinea) will make you very sick.

  • @munirahbakar4123
    @munirahbakar4123 Рік тому

    I wonder if this what we call "ubi kemili" in Malaysia 🤔

  • @MikheilGhvinianidze
    @MikheilGhvinianidze Рік тому

    Only thing i was inserting does it have minty taste

  • @loganlogon3720
    @loganlogon3720 Рік тому

    Mint chips!😄

  • @Viralsmells
    @Viralsmells Рік тому

    Now even the mint is bricked up

  • @shynellwilscuc
    @shynellwilscuc Рік тому

    How about mashed?

  • @littleloneprepper4820
    @littleloneprepper4820 Рік тому

    It reminds me of a water chestnut

  • @moa5351
    @moa5351 8 місяців тому

    Hausa potatoes or tumuku in Nigeria. Native to Nigeria and other West African countries.

  • @gianthairypickle7545
    @gianthairypickle7545 Рік тому

    Wow that’s nuts

  • @karenamanda1958
    @karenamanda1958 Рік тому

    Sounds like it tastes like a jerusalem artichoke. They’re sweet like gray.

  • @SimpleIdeaz
    @SimpleIdeaz Рік тому +4

    I got to stop watching your videos. I grow plants and have bought too many fruits that I want to try 😂😂

  • @foremanspike7315
    @foremanspike7315 Рік тому

    Wow… It’s so big

  • @Ecato
    @Ecato Рік тому

    New video series- will it french fry!

  • @bugmeanie6526
    @bugmeanie6526 Рік тому

    🧙‍♂️🪄💨 Neat!