The new potatoes presented by Li Cong had ruddy skin, pointed ends, and were as long as two palms. Because they were transplanted from Luzon, the locals called them sweet potatoes. This kind of sweet potato can grow in the barren sandy land and fields of Fujian. It is not picky about the land, fertilizer, or intensive cultivation. It can grow wherever it is planted, and its yield is higher than all other grains and yams that can satisfy hunger.
In addition to several carts of neatly packed potato roots, he also presented several plates of whole bunches of sweet potatoes with stems and leaves, only the soil had been cleaned off. Under each bunch of stems were five large potato roots, which weighed at least seven or eight kilograms.
Emperor Hongzhi was so fond of the potato that he immediately asked him how to grow it so that he could promote it to all parts of the country.
Li Cong answered very fluently.
When he saw this potato, he was overjoyed. He not only rewarded the sea merchants who presented it to him, the governor of Fuzhou, and local officials, but also planted it himself in his yard for a season. Therefore, he knew the planting method like the back of his hand. Even if someone asked him when to fertilize and when to plant the seeds, he could tell them clearly. However, he could only tell the most important things in front of the emperor, and the more detailed methods of cultivation and consumption would be handed over to his subordinates.
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