I don't know about anyone else, but I love the show Top Chef on Bravo. I don't really like reality television, but I love to watch people cook. Last week the show took place at the Hilton Waikoloha. Their challenge was to cook a traditional Hawaiian Luau with their own twist. They were warned to cook the taro for a long time so that it would not cause itching or burning in the back of the throat. I had heard this before and wonder why...
Some varieties of raw or uncooked taro contain tiny crystals of a substance called calcium oxalate, a natural pesticide. Chewing raw or half-cooked taro can set free these needle-like crystals and cause an uncomfortable itching in the mouth and throat. Cooking the taro thoroughly will prevent this. When preparing recipes that include grated taro, it is a good idea to cook the root before grating. Here, in the Hawaiian Islands, taro plants are eaten after thoroughly boiled to destroy the toxins; the leaf must be boiled at least 45 minutes over low heat, whereas corms are boiled in a deep pot with salted water for at least an hour or until soft. This information came from http://www.molokaihealthguide.com/healthtalk/display.htm?id=34. This website also offers a whole bunch of great taro recipies!
Taro root found at http://www.vegiworks.com/taro.jpg
I was also able to find information on a Dangerous Plants website for pet owners:
There are 2,000+ species of plants in the Aroid family are poisonous. Only a few, such as Taro, can be eaten and only after the toxins have been cooked out. The plant cells contain needle-like crystal of insoluble calcium oxalate which penetrate the skin and mouth causing discomfort. In addition, the plants contain proteolytic enzymes which release histamine and kinins, causing swelling and an itching or burning sensation. Affected animals will shake their head, paw or rub the face and mouth, may salivate or foam at the mouth, may seek water, or may have visible swelling. Very severely affected animals may experience oral swelling to the point that swallowing and breathing become impaired. Typically, animals are not severely affected, since a few bites of the plants are often a sufficient deterrent to further consumption. Occasional reports of these plants causing kidney failure in cats have not been verified. Effects in cats appear to be limited to the signs described above. Some of these plants have been used with humans to prevent individuals from talking by causing excessive tongue swelling, hence the name "dumbcane".
So if you have taro growing, keep your pets away!
