Satoimo, or taro, is a root vegetable in the Araceae family. The plant’s corms are the edible parts. It is native to Eastern India through Mainland Southeast Asia. In Japan, it has been cultivated since the Jomon Period. Satoimo was the most popular potato in Japan until the Edo Period (1603 - 1867) as regular potatoes and sweet potatoes were not as widely available as today.
One of the typical dishes with satoimo is “Nikomi.” Satoimo is peeled and simmered to soak up the flavor.
