Shiming Taro

Shiming Taro

Shiming Taro is a product with a Geographical Indication for Agricultural Products.

　　Shiming Village is situated in the western part of Yanxi Town and is a mountainous village blessed with beautiful scenery and rich resources. It primarily develops pollution-free vegetable farming and three-dimensional freshwater aquaculture. The village cultivates over 2,000 mu of vegetables such as taro, small cucumbers, winged beans, and green soybeans every year, yielding more than 5,000 tons. Shiming Taro, a tribute product from the Tang Dynasty, is a local specialty. The Shiming-branded taro has been certified by experts from the National Green Food Center. The Shiming trademark has been recognized as a Well-Known Trademark in Zhangzhou City.

　　Shiming Taro is produced in Shiming Village, Yanxi Town, Changtai—situated at the foot of Lianggang Mountain, which stands 1,119 meters above sea level. Here, mineral-rich spring water gushes year-round, offering sweet and pure water. The soil is deep and abundant in minerals. The resulting betel nut taro has a purple-red skin, tender and fluffy flesh that is delicious, aromatic, and uniquely flavorful. Shiming Village has a large planting area for betel nut taro, yielding about 1,000 tons per year. Shiming betel nut taro enjoys a far-reaching reputation and is especially treasured as a rare delicacy by urban residents in the Xiamen and Zhangzhou areas.

　　Legend has it that when Emperor Qianlong traveled to the south of the Yangtze River and passed through Zhangzhou, he asked for local delicacies. The county magistrate of Changtai brought along a renowned chef, a pork elbow, and a piece of Shiming Taro to prepare “Pork Elbow and Taro Stew” for the emperor. The dish delighted Emperor Qianlong, who praised it endlessly. From then on, the once humble Shiming Taro was designated as a tribute item and sent annually to the imperial palace. Another signature preparation of Shiming Taro involves steaming the taro, mashing it, adding sugar, and cooking it over low heat with spices such as tangerine peel and osmanthus to create the irresistible “taro paste.”

　　Geographic Range

　　The protected area for Shiming Taro’s Geographical Indication includes five administrative villages: Shiming Village and Ganzhai Village in Yanxi Town, Changtai County, and Shige Village, Xinchun Village, and Binxin Village in Banli Township. The geographic coordinates are between 117°38′–117°45′ east longitude and 24°34′–25°47′ north latitude, covering a total protected area of 20,000 mu, with a current production area of 4,000 mu and an annual output of 6,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Characteristics: Shiming Taro benefits from a superior growing environment. The main tuber is cylindrical in shape with a brownish skin that is free of insect damage, rot, or blemishes. The flesh is milky white with purple-red betel nut patterns, cooks easily, and features a fine, loose, soft texture and a rich, delicious flavor. Additionally, Shiming Taro has a high edible rate—all parts, including the head and tail, can be eaten after peeling. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: Shiming Taro is highly nutritious, with dry matter consisting of 65%–80% starch and 10%–15% protein. It is suitable both as a staple food and a vegetable, and compared to taro from other regions, it boasts a distinctive aroma. 3. Product Quality and Safety Standards: Shiming Taro must comply with the (NY/T1049-2006) quality standard.