ABSTRACT
Root crops, once considered the traditional subsistence crops of low-income families in the Philippines, have also become a prominent food crop. The sweet potato leads the root crops in terms of area and production. It can be grown under extreme conditions in many kinds of soils. It plays an important dietary role in the Philippines, particularly in rural areas. It is generally used fresh, in processed food products, and as animal feed. Practically all the parts are used as food. Taro is used similarly. Only the corms of the other aroids are used as food.
Currently in the Philippines minimal processing and storage of sweet potato and aroids are practiced; the produce is generally used fresh.
New food uses will make sweet potato and aroids more competitive and take marketing and utilization outside the vicinity of the production areas. However, simple, inexpensive storage methods must be designed for use by small farmers to make the industry economically viable.
