Lü County Potatoes

Lü County Potatoes

　　Lü County potatoes are a specialty of Lü County, Lüliang City, Shanxi Province. The potatoes produced here have a bright color, high starch content, and are not prone to spoilage. They contain more nutrients such as starch, protein, and vitamin C compared to potatoes from other regions.

　　Lü County is located in the northwest of Shanxi Province, featuring a cool climate, large diurnal temperature variations, and mostly sandy loam soil, which provides ideal natural advantages for growing potatoes. Lü County in Lüliang City is one of the main potato-producing areas in Shanxi Province.

　　In 2011, the potato planting area in Lü County reached 250,000 mu, accounting for over 40% of the county's total sown area. In terms of production base development, the county has established a master plan where Dasheotou, Hekou, and Jiehekou townships are designated as the primary areas for breeding original seeds; Dasheotou, Hekou, Jiehekou, Wangshi, Shunhui, and Lancheng townships are the main areas for producing first-grade seed potatoes; and Wangshi, Lancheng, Tuyu, Hekou, Dasheotou, and Shunhui townships are focused on producing green food potatoes.

　　It is reported that the county has also registered the “Lü County Potatoes” trademark, established a Potato Association, and has 23 farmer professional cooperatives and 478 potato brokers. The potato industry is transitioning from extensive farming to standardized production, gradually becoming the most dynamic sector in Lü County’s agricultural field and an important pathway for local farmers to increase income and achieve prosperity.