Pahadi Tedu: Uttarakhand's Ancient Tuber, A Culinary & Medicinal Treasure

• Pahadi Tedu, known as Tarud/Tedu, is a special tuber found in Uttarakhand and other Himalayan regions, botanically Dioscorea deltoides.
• It's cherished for its unique taste and health benefits, rich in saponin steroidal compounds, aiding bone strength, cardiovascular health, and Vitamin D3 synthesis.
• Traditional identification distinguishes edible species by opposite leaves from poisonous ones with alternate leaves.
• Preparation involves boiling, peeling, and cooking with local spices like Jakhiya in mustard oil for a distinct flavor.
• Beyond food, Tedu is used in medicines for hair care, treating roundworms, constipation, and synthesizing steroids like progesterone.

Why It Matters: Pahadi Tedu is a versatile Himalayan tuber, valued for its unique taste, health benefits, and medicinal properties.