Ningde Taro

Ningde Taro

　　Taro is a crop of the Dioscoreaceae family, also known as Lipu taro. It is mainly produced in coastal regions such as Guangxi and Fujian, and has a history of over a thousand years. The main production areas today include Lipu County, Pingle, and Gongcheng in Guangxi, as well as southern Fujian.

　　Taro is oval in shape, with a rough outer skin. When cut open, its interior displays a pattern resembling that of areca nuts, hence the name "taro." Planting begins around the Awakening of Insects and Spring Equinox periods, and harvesting can be done by Frost’s Descent. Each plant produces one main tuber and several smaller ones of varying sizes. Taro is a high-quality vegetable with a relatively high starch content. Its flesh is delicate and has a unique flavor, along with rich nutrition, containing components such as crude protein, starch, various vitamins, and minerals. It helps to invigorate qi, nourish kidneys, and strengthen the spleen and stomach. It serves as an excellent ingredient for making snacks and dishes, as well as a nutritious tonic. During the Qing Dynasty, it was listed as an imperial tribute, thus earning the title of "Imperial Tribute."