What is Taro Root? Taro is a tropical root vegetable native to Southeast Asia and India, now grown worldwide. It’s starchy and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The edible part is the corm (a swollen underground stem), which can be purple, pink, white, or other colors depending on the variety Wikipedia+1. Taro is used in many cuisines, including Asian, Caribbean, and Oceanian dishes, and can be boiled, steamed, baked, or fried.