Yongding June Red Early-Maturing Taro

Yongding June Red Early-Maturing Taro

Yongding June Red Early-Maturing Taro is a product with geographical indication status.

　　Yongding early-maturing taro has a long cultivation history. The Qianlong-era "Yongding County Annals" recorded: "Taro: large ones can weigh several jin, small ones as big as eggs, commonly called early taro." Many Hakka dishes use early-maturing taro as an ingredient, such as taro buns and taro cakes. In 1990, a mutant plant was discovered in Nijiao Village, Fengshi Township, Yongding, and after years of selective breeding experiments, it was officially named "June Red" early-maturing taro (Min Recognized Vegetable 2004002) in 1995. "June Red" is the earliest maturing taro variety in China and a unique, high-quality local variety of Yongding. The typical characteristics of Yongding "June Red" early-maturing taro are as follows: this variety belongs to the multi-corm type. It grows to about 100 cm in height, with 16–17 leaves in total during the entire growth period. The leaves are shield-shaped, alternate, with purple petioles and leaf margins, and green veins. Each plant typically produces 8–12 taro corms, with each corm weighing around 60 grams. The corms are oval-shaped, with thin skin, white sprouts, and milky-white flesh. The texture is tender, sticky, and smooth, with excellent quality and market appeal. "June Red" early-maturing taro has a distinctive flavor—its flesh is tender, sticky, and smooth, rich in vitamin E (content over 5.2 mg/kg), starch (over 6.5 g/100 g), and protein (over 1 g/100 g). Yongding "June Red" early-maturing taro is a locally distinctive, premium variety of Yongding. This industry promotes regional economic development and increases farmers' income. The Yongding County Government places great emphasis on it, has introduced relevant support policies, and is strengthening brand development. By 2016, the planting area is expected to reach 45,000 mu, directly increasing farmers’ income by 2,500 yuan per mu.

　　Yongding County "June Red" Early-Maturing Taro Professional Cooperative

　　Location: 2013

　　Geographical Scope

　　Yongding County is located in the southwestern part of Fujian Province, between 24°23′–25°05′ north latitude and 116°25′–117°05′ east longitude. It borders Nanjing County to the east, Pinghe County to the southeast, Dabu County and Meixian County of Guangdong Province to the southwest, Shanghang County to the northwest, and Xinluo District to the northeast. The county spans 68 km from east to west and 80 km from north to south, covering a total area of 2,223 square kilometers. The geographical scope includes 10 towns and 14 townships under the county’s jurisdiction. The protected area for Yongding June Red Early-Maturing Taro is 2,223 square kilometers, with a production area of 2,100 hectares, an annual yield of 42,000 tons, and annual sales revenue of 100 million yuan.

　　Product Quality and Characteristic Features

　　1. External Sensory Characteristics: Yongding June Red Early-Maturing Taro is of the multi-corm type. It grows to about 100 cm in height, with 16–17 leaves in total during the entire growth period. The leaves are shield-shaped, alternate, with purple petioles and leaf margins, and green veins. Each plant typically produces 8–12 taro corms, with each corm weighing around 60 grams. The corms are oval-shaped, with thin skin and white sprouts. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: Yongding June Red Early-Maturing Taro has a distinctive flavor, with tender, sticky, and smooth flesh. It is rich in vitamin E (content over 5.2 mg/kg), starch (over 6.5 g/100 g), and protein (over 1 g/100 g). 3. Safety Requirements: Yongding June Red Early-Maturing Taro complies with the "NY5221-2005 Pollution-Free Food Tuber and Root Vegetables" standard.