What is Kiri Ala in English?

Kiri Ala is the Sri Lankan Sinhala name for Xanthosoma sagittifolium, commonly called Arrowleaf Elephant's Ear or milk yam in English. It is a tropical root vegetable in the Araceae family, closely related to taro.

What are the health benefits of Xanthosoma sagittifolium?

The edible corm is a good source of dietary fibre, vitamin B6, and manganese. Regular consumption of high-fibre root vegetables like Kiri Ala may support healthy blood sugar levels and contribute to cardiovascular wellbeing as part of a balanced diet.

How do you cook Kiri Ala?

The corm is typically peeled, cubed, and cooked in a coconut milk curry with spices such as turmeric and black pepper. It can also be boiled and served with scraped coconut as a simple side dish. Always cook the corm thoroughly before eating, as raw corms contain irritating oxalate crystals.

Is Kiri Ala used in Ayurvedic medicine in Sri Lanka?

Yes. Xanthosoma sagittifolium is listed in Sri Lanka's official catalogue of Ayurvedic medicinal plants. Traditional practitioners value its nutritive and digestive properties and may include it in dietary recommendations for general wellbeing.

Where can Kiri Ala be grown in Sri Lanka?

Kiri Ala grows best in humid conditions with partial shade and is most common in Sri Lanka's wet zone and parts of the intermediate zone. It is widely cultivated in home gardens in Sabaragamuwa, Western, and Southern provinces.

Is Kiri Ala the same as taro?

No, though both belong to the Araceae family. Kiri Ala (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) is a distinct species from taro (Colocasia esculenta). Kiri Ala typically has a milder flavour and a somewhat less sticky texture once cooked.

What does Kiri Ala taste like?

The cooked corm has a mild, starchy flavour with a slightly creamy texture, which is why it takes the Sinhala prefix 'kiri' (milk). It absorbs surrounding flavours well, making it particularly suitable for spiced coconut milk curries.

Xanthosoma sagittifolium (Kiri Ala)

Milk yams are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals such as manganese and vitamin B6. Milk yam is also known as a food that lowers blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of heart disease. A fiery food, milky yam is rich in nutritional value.

Common Name In Sri Lanka: Kiri ala

Scientific Name: Xanthosoma sagittifolium

Other Names: Arrowleaf Elephant's Ear

Size of Tree: Small (<5m)

Average Height: 1 m

Xanthosoma sagittifolium is part of the catalog of ayurvedic medicinal plants of Sri Lanka.