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Chapter 1130: Potato

Aside from the fruits, Qiao Xuan also brought back many potatoes. Thanks to her attentive care, both the potatoes planted in the backyard of the capital and those growing in the space were flourishing. The potatoes in the capital had already been dug before their return.

The harvest was bountiful, with more than ten plants yielding over 30 to 40 potatoes each, all bigger than a fist. Qiao Xuan wasn’t the only one delighted; Liqiu and the others who helped with the digging were equally joyous.

Shao Yunduan found it hard to believe. He stood there in awe, staring at the pile of potatoes before him. Among the various crops they grew at home—peanuts, soybeans, corn, and taros—none compared to the impressive productivity of the potatoes.

Initially, Qiao Xuan referred to them as yams, but the name got out and she subsequently explained that their shape was more like enlarged beans that grew deep in the soil at 5,000 meters, making the name “potatoes” more suitable.

No crop could rival the productivity of potatoes!

They had planted dozens of potato plants in the backyard and managed to harvest two baskets full of them. The potatoes were plump and filling, resembling yams in shape, but their yield surpassed yams by a considerable margin, making them quite rare.

In the evening, Qiao Xuan prepared a variety of potato dishes. She made stewed beef with potatoes, fried potato slices, hot and sour shredded potatoes, and even a few small potato pancakes. Shao Yunduan found them all incredibly delicious!

Potato slices and shredded potatoes could be used in cooking, while potato cakes could serve as a food source. Even though they might not fully replace other food items, they could easily supplement meals during times of scarcity.

Though not as versatile as corn, the potato yield far exceeded that of corn.

It had been a long time since Qiao Xuan last tasted potatoes, especially her favorite hot and sour shredded potatoes. She proudly boasted to Shao Yunduan about the culinary delights she prepared using potatoes.

Shao Yunduan smiled and praised Qiao Xuan for her ingenuity. He emphasized the need to keep the discovery of potatoes a secret, cautioning her not to let anyone, especially the young master of the Prefecture Lord’s Mansion, taste them.

Shao Yunduan explained to Qiao Xuan in detail that potatoes were a valuable new crop with the potential for large-scale cultivation, which could greatly benefit the people if it were promoted. However, he also stressed the importance of being cautious about it.

Specifically, he warned her not to mention it to Lord Anping Manor. The manor had distanced itself from worldly affairs, and getting involved with the court could lead to complications. If the Prefecture Lord got wind of the potatoes, he might report it to the Emperor, dragging Lord Anping Manor into unnecessary trouble.

Qiao Xuan understood the gravity of the situation and nodded in agreement. She assured Shao Yunduan that she would be discreet about the potatoes. She reminded him that the bountiful harvest was a result of her careful attention to the potatoes in their own backyard. If they were widely promoted, the yield might not be as plentiful.

Shao Yunduan replied with a smile, saying that even if a dozen fruits were produced, it would be more than enough.