Taro Fries
Taro fries are a crispy, savory snack or side dish made from the starchy root vegetable taro, typically sliced into wedges or strips and deep-fried or baked until golden. They are popular in many tropical and subtropical regions, especially in Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Pacific Islands, where taro is a traditional staple crop.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Taro fries are primarily a carbohydrate-rich food, providing energy from the taro's natural starches, along with some dietary fiber and essential minerals like potassium and vitamin E. A typical serving of about 3-4 ounces (85-113 grams) contains roughly 150-200 calories, with the exact count depending on the cooking method and added seasonings.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbs | 40 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.2 mg |
| Manganese | 0.5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 80 mg |
| Magnesium | 30 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Copper | 0.2 mg |
Per 1 cup (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Taro is one of the oldest cultivated crops, with a history of over 10,000 years, and it holds deep cultural significance in many Polynesian and Asian societies as a symbol of sustenance and community. Nutritionally, taro contains resistant starch, which can act like a prebiotic, supporting gut health, and its unique purple or white speckled flesh makes for a visually striking alternative to traditional potato fries.
