About Busala (Dioscorea Hirtiflora Benth)
Busala, also known as Lusala, is a widely available yam variety indigenous to southern Zambia. Grown as a vine, its tubers are popularly served as a relish. The yam is prepared similarly to meat courses. Hence, they are a unique alternative to vegetarian cuisine. Despite being a wild-growing delicacy, Busala has a plentiful supply in local markets. It is affordable and valued as a vegetarian dietary staple.
Germinating Busala (Dioscorea Hirtiflora Benth)
Busala requires moist, dark conditions to germinate. Uncleaned rhizomes can be stored in plastic bags for over six weeks until roots form. However, a trial of keeping rhizomes in a cardboard box for a month resulted in no root emergence. We used fabric grow bags with topsoil and sand to resolve this challenge. Germination occurred within a month. Fresh rhizomes seem to germinate more easily shortly after harvest. The market stock may require a longer germination period due to extended storage time.
Growing and harvesting Busala (Dioscorea Hirtiflora Benth)
We have been harvesting some rhizomes and leaving others in fabric grow bags. The yams germinated during the rise in October temperatures after going dormant in winter. We plan to increase the planting of this robust plant by dividing the rhizomes and enhancing food security. Busala vine has attractive green and shiny leaves. It climbs on any structure and grows well in reusable polybags. The fabric and polybags enable easy harvest. This cultivation process promises a year-round supply of the plant.
Cooking Busala (Dioscorea Hirtiflora Benth)
Busala is a versatile plant that is optimal for gardening and culinary purposes. Its slightly bitter peel is often removed for best use. It’s perfect for mixing with meat to extend their portions or adding it to soups like potatoes to enhance consistency. It can be boiled and mixed with various ingredients like vegetable oil, onions, tomatoes, celery, garlic, chilli, and ginger to create a spicy relish. We serve it with any carbohydrate or use it in a hot pot with other vegetables. It has a unique taste, similar to meat mixed with celery and spices. It is rich in fibres, vitamin B, iron, and copper. We recommend vegetarians and vegans grow it in their kitchen or container gardens as part of dietary diversity.
