How to choose Lipu taro: a comprehensive guide from appearance to quality
As a specialty of Guangxi, Lipu taro is loved by consumers for its glutinous and sweet taste. However, the quality of taro on the market is uneven, and many people are confused about how to choose high-quality Lipu taro. This article will provide you with a scientific and practical purchasing guide from multiple dimensions such as appearance, weight, smell, etc.
1. Basic characteristics of Lipu taro

Authentic Lipu taro has the following typical characteristics:
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Oval or spindle-shaped, with an obvious depression at the bottom |
| epidermis | Rough and hairy, brown with purple spots |
| cross section | There are obvious purple patterns, similar to betel nut patterns |
| weight | A single weight is usually between 1-3 pounds |
2. Five key points for choosing Lipu taro
1. Look at the appearance
The skin of high-quality Lipu taro is intact and has no obvious insect holes or mildew spots. Pay attention to the color of the skin. If it is too white, it may be immature. If it is too dark, it may be stored for too long.
| Appearance indicators | quality performance | poor performance |
|---|---|---|
| epidermal integrity | No damage or cracks | There is obvious mechanical damage |
| color | Brown with purple spots | Turn white or black |
| whiskers | Evenly distributed | sparse or falling off |
2. Weigh the weight
For taro of the same size, the greater the weight, the higher the starch content and the more glutinous taste. It is recommended to choose taro that feels heavy to the touch.
3. Smell
Fresh Lipu taro has a faint fragrance. If there is any sour, musty or other odor, it means it has gone bad.
| Odor type | Possible reasons |
|---|---|
| Fresh fragrance | Fresh and high quality |
| sour smell | Already starting to deteriorate |
| Musty smell | Storage environment is humid |
4. Observe the section
If conditions permit, you can observe the taro cut surface. High-quality Lipu taro has clear cut texture, evenly distributed purple patterns, and milky white juice.
5. Choose a season
The best harvesting period for Lipu taro is from September each year to March of the following year. The taro tastes best during this period.
3. Purchasing suggestions for different uses
Depending on the cooking method, the focus of purchasing is also different:
| Purpose | Key points for purchasing |
|---|---|
| steaming | Choose those with a well-proportioned body shape and intact skin |
| stew | Choose one that is larger and heavier |
| Make desserts | Give priority to those with obvious patterns |
| long term storage | Choose ones with dry and undamaged skin |
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between Lipu taro and ordinary taro?
A: Lipu taro has a higher starch content and a more glutinous texture. The cut surface has a unique purple pattern, which is a characteristic that ordinary taro does not have.
Q: What should I pay attention to when purchasing Lipu taro online?
A: Choose a merchant with certification of origin, check the feedback on freshness in the product reviews, and check immediately after receiving the goods for signs of deterioration.
Q: How to preserve Lipu taro?
A: Unpeeled taro can be stored in a cool and ventilated place for 1-2 weeks. After peeling, it needs to be soaked in water and refrigerated. It is recommended to eat it as soon as possible.
5. Summary
Selecting high-quality Lipu taro requires comprehensive consideration of appearance, weight, smell and other factors. Remember the purchasing guideline of "look, weigh, and smell three" and combined with the detailed indicators provided in this article, you will definitely be able to choose the pink, glutinous and sweet Lipu taro. Pay attention to proper storage after purchase to maintain the delicious taste of taro to the greatest extent.
With the popularization of the concept of healthy eating, Lipu taro, a low-fat, high-fiber healthy ingredient, is becoming more and more popular. Master the scientific purchasing method so that you can not only enjoy delicious food, but also obtain rich nutritional value.
check the details
check the details