Yacon, Corn and Pork Rib Soup

Why people make this soup

Yacon looks a little like a sweet potato and tastes faintly like a water chestnut — crisp, slightly sweet, and refreshing. It originated in the Andes mountains of South America and has attracted interest in recent decades for its unusual fibre profile: it is exceptionally high in fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a type of prebiotic fibre that is not fully digested by the human body. This makes yacon naturally low on the glycaemic index, which is part of why it has become popular among people managing blood sugar. In traditional Chinese food therapy it is described as clearing heat and toxins, reducing inflammation, and supporting urinary function. Combined with corn silk — a traditional Chinese remedy for supporting healthy blood sugar and urinary tract function — this soup is a practical, family-friendly dish, not just a medicinal remedy.