Dioscorea bulbifera

Dioscorea bulbifera

　　Dioscorea bulbifera

　　Dioscorea bulbifera, originally the tuber of a wild plant, has the effect of "clearing heat and detoxifying." Its appearance resembles a hedgehog, with flesh that is orange-yellow like a potato—crisp, tender, brightly colored, sweet in taste, and deliciously crunchy. Legend has it that during the Southern and Northern Dynasties, when an emperor led his army in pursuit of invading southern barbarian enemies, the military rations failed to arrive on time. The soldiers suffered greatly from the intense summer heat, with many falling ill or collapsing. Those who ate soup made from Dioscorea bulbifera recovered from their illnesses, and the army went on to annihilate the main force of the enemy. Upon returning triumphantly to the capital, the emperor honored Dioscorea bulbifera as the "Number One Wonder of the Jiangnan Region." When former Provincial Party Secretary Chen Guangyi visited Shouning for an inspection, he praised Shouning’s "Dioscorea bulbifera and pigeon soup" as the "Number One Wonder of Fujian." Rich in protein, vitamin C, and minerals such as calcium and iron that the human body needs, Dioscorea bulbifera is highly nutritious and has pharmacological effects such as clearing heat, detoxifying, preventing cancer, and fighting tumors. It can be hailed as the king of green foods.