I just pulled some yesterday as a matter of fact. They ARE knobby and hard to peel but I use a paring knife and don't worry about losing some because the ducks, geese and chickens eat whatever I throw out. I have some next to a big compost pile ( contained in a 5 foot ring of fencing) and they grow nice and big. They've only been there two years so I don't know if they will become a problem or not. They are easy to grow and the expense is, I think, because you should only have to buy them once. Poor Phil- it would be terrible having termites eat your garden! I cook mine in milk and water and they do taste a little like earthy sunflower seeds. I have tried them raw in salads but gas was a problem. I wasn't going to mention that but as long as someone already did....from NW WI(posted 9002 days ago)