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Cultural Significance of Dried Sweet Potatoes

In traditional Chinese culture, dried sweet potatoes are more than just food; they carry memories and emotions of the past. In times of scarcity, dried sweet potatoes evoked fond childhood memories for many. With improved living standards, dried sweet potatoes have gradually become a healthy snack, gaining popularity. At the same time, the production and consumption of dried sweet potatoes reflect traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Nutritional Value of Dried Sweet Potato

Dried sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, offering numerous health benefits. For example, dietary fiber in sweet potatoes can aid intestinal motility and promote excretion; vitamin A helps maintain vision and skin health; and potassium is beneficial for heart health. Therefore, dried sweet potatoes are considered a healthy snack.

The Origin and Spread of Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes, also known as yams, were originally introduced from abroad. According to Chen Shiyuan's *Jinshu Chuanxi Lu* (Record of the Transmission and Practice of Sweet Potatoes) from the Qing Dynasty, they were first introduced to China from Luzon (present-day Philippines) by Chen Zhenlong, a Fujian native, during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty. At that time, Fujian was experiencing a drought, and Chen Zhenlong brought back sweet potato vines and planting methods. After successful trials, they yielded a bumper harvest, leading to the widespread cultivation of sweet potatoes as an important food crop, especially in Fujian and Guangdong. The introduction and spread of sweet potatoes undoubtedly provided more dietary options for the Chinese people and laid the foundation for the later production of dried sweet potatoes.

The Evolution of Sweet Potato Dried Product Production Methods

The production methods for dried sweet potatoes have undergone a long development process. The initial method may have involved boiling and then drying the sweet potatoes, but this method might not have produced a good texture. Over time, people gradually mastered more complex methods, such as the "three-steaming and three-drying" method, which makes the dried sweet potatoes softer and more palatable. Furthermore, modern production methods include using machines for slicing and drying, greatly improving production efficiency.