Hezhou Taro

Hezhou Taro

　　Origin: Liantang Town, Babu District

　　Hezhou taro is a traditional branded product from Babu District, Hezhou City. Known for its “delicious taste, soft texture, and fragrant crispness,” it is popular across Guangxi, Guangdong, and the Hong Kong and Macao regions. In particular, the “Taro Pork Belly” dish made with Hezhou taro and streaky pork is crispy, savory, and delicious, earning the reputation of “one household steams the dish, and all the neighbors enjoy the aroma.” Hezhou taro is an annual crop with spindle-shaped corms. A single corm typically weighs between 1.5–2.5 kg, though some can reach up to 4–5 kg. The skin is yellowish-brown, and the cross-section is gray-white with distinct purple-red betel nut patterns. The flesh is fine, fluffy, and rich in starch (59.5%), crude protein (5.8%), and various vitamins. It is highly nutritious, aromatic, and uniquely flavorful, and can be processed into several series of food products. Currently, over 15,000 mu of Hezhou taro are planted annually in Hezhou City, with an annual output exceeding 42 million kg.