Koorka in English
The English name is ‘Chinese Potato‘
Koorka in Tamil
The Tamil name is ‘Sirukizhangu‘
Koorka in Hindi
The Hindi name is ‘Arbi‘
Koorka in Telugu
The Telugu name is ‘Cheemadumpa‘
Koorka in Kannada
The Kannada name is ‘Sambrani gadde‘
About Koorka
Koorka is widely found in parts of Asia, especially India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia. The scientific name is Solenostemonrotundifolius. It is available in the winter season in Kerala for 3 months. The texture is dense and has muddy skin. It is smaller in size and looks like small Colocasia. They are popularly used in Kerala dishes like Aviyal and Sambar. Koorka fry is also a famous delicacy among Malayalis. In Kochi and its surrounding areas like Angamaly the Koorka is cooked with pork known as Koorka irachi or Pork Koorka Ularthiyathu.
There is another variety of Chinese potato called the ‘kattu koorka‘ which looks similar to a taro root. It is widely found in tribal regions.
Koorka Health Benefits
- Koorka contains calcium, iron, thiamine, riboflavin.
- Polyphenols, a micronutrient, present in Koorka is good for fighting cancer and heart diseases.
- It is good for diabetes, and nervous disorders.
- It is rich in carbohydrates, niacin, and vitamin C.