Kaukau

Kaukau (pijin: sweet potato) is a root vegetable that is grown in rural gardens. Its taste is similar to that of the sweet potato. On the island of New Guinea, many different kinds of kaukau have been grown and new kinds are being grown. This is not an evolution because the changes have occurred over periods of years instead of millions of years. There are other factors that influence the change of kaukau such as the type of soil and abundance of water. Another reason why the development of new kinds of kaukau is not evolutionary is because of the wide varieties that still maintain the distinct characteristics of a kaukau.

There are many different types of kaukau and their skin is not the same color as the underlying starch. The different skin colors are brown, yellow, purple, and pink.

Kaukau is one of the staple foods in Papua New Guinea. It is dug up, peeled, boiled, and eaten. In the past, kaukau would be dug up and buried in ash with hot coals lying on the surface.