Chikou Zhuangji Charcoal Grilled Sweet Potatoes Introduction
Zhuang Yongquan (born in 1961) is from Kaohsiung. He joined a sweet potato roasting business upon an invitation from a friend, purchased a roasting oven, transferred the technique, and provided information about sweet potato suppliers. This led him to start selling charcoal-roasted sweet potatoes, initially selling them in Kaohsiung. The following year, he moved back to his wife's hometown in Qigu. He first operated like a mobile vendor, setting up his stall in crowded areas and switching locations as the crowd dispersed. It wasn't until the year after the 7-Eleven store in Qigu opened (in 1995) that he established a fixed selling point, operating only on weekends and holidays, while engaging in family-based contract work during other times. Zhuang Ji Charcoal Roasted Sweet Potatoes are so delicious that people crave them again. The secret lies in the selection of sweet potato varieties and the unique charcoal fire used. The sweet potatoes sold in Qigu Zhuang Ji are categorized into two types according to the seasonal changes: red-fleshed and yellow-fleshed. The red-fleshed sweet potatoes come from Taichung Dadu Mountain, variety Tainung 66, and are in season from September to November each year. The yellow-fleshed variety comes from Yunlin Shuilin, variety 57, and is in season from November to June of the following year. The charcoal used is made from Taiwan longan wood, which burns smokelessly, ensuring that the sweet potato skins do not get charred and that the sweet potatoes carry a rich aroma. After purchasing the sweet potatoes, Zhuang Yongquan washes and air-dries them to reduce moisture content. When the weekends come, he sets up his stall, cutting off the ends before placing them in the oven to roast, depending on the size of the sweet potatoes...
