Organic Yacon Syrup
Certified Organic & Kosher

Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is a distant relative of the sunflower with edible tubers and leaves. It is commonly grown and consumed throughout the Adean region. Locally, the tuber is often chopped and added to salads, and are also consumed boiled or baked. Yacon roots contain important quantities of potassium and antioxidants.

Yacon syrup, pressed from the roots, has a dark brown color, sweet flavor, and is used as an alternative glucose free sweetener and prebiotic with few calories.

The unique market potential for yacon syrup in the U.S. is as a dietetic sweetener due to its unique carbohydrate composition. Most other roots and tubers store carbohydrates as starch – a polymer of glucose; yacon stores carbohydrate as fructooligosacaride (FOS) – a polymer composed mainly of fructose. Yacon syrup has a strong potential in international markets as an ingredient in diet, diabetes, and colon-related heath food products.

Dried yacon root powder contains 50-70% (dry basis) FOS and low proportion of simple sugars (e.g., glucose, fructose and sucrose). The human body has no enzyme to hydrolyze FOS, so it passes through the digestive tract unmetabolized, providing few calories, a marketing strength for dieters and diabetics. Yacon also acts as a prebiotic. The undigested portion of yacon serves as food for “friendly” bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus species, in the colon. Clinical studies have shown that administering inulin can increase the number of these friendly bacteria in the colon while simultaneously reducing the population of harmful bacteria.

Other benefits noted with FOS supplementation include increased production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate, increased absorption of calcium and magnesium, and improved elimination of toxic compounds. Preclinical studies indicated an increase in bone density after consumption of FOS. In addition, the beneficial effects of FOS on the presence of Bifidobacteria suggest an improved absorption of vitamins, such as the B complexes.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, nor is this information meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

ELF provides yacon syrup in 25.5 kg (approx 5 gal) buckets, and several consumer packaging sizes. Bulk drum sizes are also available. We can also package with private labeling by request.

ELF YACON SYRUP PROCESSING:

Milling and Extraction: The yacon roots are washed, crushed and milled. All raw juices are captured into tanks.

Filtering: The yacon juices are filtered through mechanical filters.

Evaporation: The yacon syrup is spilled into the vacuum evaporator at a maximum temperature of 60°C (140°F) to extract the water and contrentrate the yacon syrup.

Packaging: The yacon is packaged into 285-290 kg. drums and / or 25 kgs. plastic pails and / or retail packages.

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