Features : Thai Name : Puak Scientific Name : Colocasia Esculenta Season Availability : All around the year Wild taro root grows on the banks of streams in Thailand and is particularly popular in the north of the country. The swollen tuber is full of starch and is eaten in the same manner as potatoes. This is primarily used in making Thai deserts. Taro root is inedible raw and must be cooked thoroughly to leach out the calcium oxalate. Taro has a mild nutty flavor. Taro is nutritious, and an excellent source of potassium, which is an essential mineral body for many functions.