Kadu Kand / Dukkar Kand /कडुकंद / डुक्करकंद / Air Potato / Dioscorea bulbifera L.

A Super Tuber, Kadu Kanda is also known as Aerial potato; but it is the underground tuber part that is known as bitter yam or Kadu Kand. The fruits that grow outside on a vine are known as Aerial Potatoes. Tribal communities use the Kadu Kanda for colic, to relieve inflammation due to respiratory diseases, for menopause, labor pain and prevention of early miscarriages and to relieve childbirth pain. It is also cooling for the body.

OOO Farms Wild Food Kadu Kand / Dukkar Kand

Other Names

Local Name: Kadu Kand / Dukkar Kand / कडुकंद / डुक्करकंद
Common Name: Air Potato
Botanical Name: Dioscorea bulbifera L.

Status & Habitat

Habitat: Climber
Occurrence: Forest edges, hammocks, disturbed areas.
Season of Availability: Warmer parts of the year
Geography: Africa, Asia and northern Australia
Method of Propagation: Roots
Part used for Propagation: Roots

Edible Parts

Edible Parts: Tuber
Can be Eaten Raw: No

Method of Consumption

Raw: No
Ripe: No
Both Raw & Ripe: No
Dangerous Form to Consume: Raw plant
As Food: Used medicinally; tubers might be eaten cooked or dried.
As Medicine: Dried powdered tubers applied to ulcers and wounds; used in ayurvedic medicines.
Cooking Without Prior Boiling: N/A
Boiling Before Cooking: N/A
Pickling: N/A
Brining: N/A
Fermenting: N/A
Drying for later Consumption: Yes
Overall Method: Tubers eaten cooked or dried.

Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

Nutritional Benefit: Contains calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
Medicinal Benefit: Helps cure ulcers and wounds.

Tribal Wisdom

Tribal Wisdom: Dried powdered tubers applied to ulcers and wounds; used in ayurvedic medicines.

Recipes / Usage

Tribal Recipe / Usage: Peel, cut and fry tubers in oil.

Image Gallery

Kadu Kand / Dukkar Kand /कडुकंद / डुक्करकंद / Air Potato / Dioscorea bulbifera L.