Chiku Zhuangji Charcoal Grilled Sweet Potato Introduction
Zhuang Yongzhen (born in 1961), a native of Kaohsiung, was invited by a friend to join in selling roasted sweet potatoes. He bought a roasting oven, transferred the necessary skills, and provided information on sweet potato suppliers, thus starting to sell charcoal-roasted sweet potatoes. Initially, he sold them in Kaohsiung and the following year moved back to his wife’s family home in Qigu. He began like a mobile vendor, setting up in busy areas with high foot and vehicle traffic, and would relocate when the crowds dispersed. It was not until the following year after the opening of the 7-11 store in Qigu (1995) that he began fixed selling, operating only on weekends, while engaging in family contracting during the week. Zhuang Ji Charcoal Roasted Sweet Potatoes are so delicious that they make people want to eat more, with the essence lying in the selection of sweet potato varieties and the unique charcoal fire. The sweet potatoes in Qigu Zhuang Ji are divided into two types based on seasonal changes: the red-fleshed and the yellow-fleshed. The red-fleshed sweet potato is the Tainung No. 66 from Dadu Mountain in Taichung, available from September to November each year; the yellow-fleshed sweet potato is the Shuilin No. 57 from Yunlin, available from November to June of the following year. As for the charcoal, it is made from longan wood native to Taiwan, producing little to no smoke when burned, so it will not scorch the potato skin while imparting a rich aroma to the sweet potatoes. After purchasing sweet potatoes, Zhuang Yongzhen washes and air-dries them to remove moisture. When he arrives at the sales area on weekends, he cuts off the ends and places them in the roasting oven to bake, depending on the size of the sweet potatoes...
