Pingtung Pineapple

Pineapples are tropical fruits that particularly like warm climates, so they are very suitable for cultivation in central and southern China. There are many towns and villages in Taiwan where pineapples are grown, mainly in Nantou, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung. Among them, Changhua Bagua, Tainan Guanmiao and Chiayi Minxiong are the most famous. Thanks to the efforts of agricultural experts to research and improve, there are currently more than 20 varieties.

  There are many towns and villages in Taiwan where pineapples are grown, mainly in Nantou, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung. Among them, Changhua Bagua, Tainan Guanmiao and Chiayi Minxiong are the most famous. Thanks to the efforts of agricultural experts to research and improve, there are currently more than 20 varieties. There are about 80 countries cultivating pineapples in the world. According to 2018 statistics, the top five pineapple producers in the world are Costa Rica, the Philippines, Brazil, Thailand and Indonesia, while Taiwan ranks behind the 10th.

Among them, Pingtung ranks first with 3,300 hectares, Tainan originally had about 6,000 hectares of cultivated area, and currently has 1,300 hectares left, and Nantou has 1,600 hectares. According to statistics, domestic pineapple production is about 520,000 metric tons per year, with Pingtung accounting for the most at 150,000 metric tons, followed by Nantou with 85,000 metric tons, and Tainan in third place with more than 70,000 metric tons. "Golden Diamond" pineapple is one of the most popular pineapple varieties in Taiwan. The golden diamond grown step by step by Zherong has a rich aroma and a light coconut fragrance. The golden diamonds grown under the bright sun are juicy and refreshing, and the golden diamonds in the cold winter have a sweet and sour aroma, which adds an elegance to the delicate taste. According to statistics from the Ping County Government, Pingtung County’s external sales of pineapples in 2019 were approximately 30,995 metric tons, of which Japan accounted for 1,073 metric tons, accounting for approximately 3.4%. Last year, Pingtung County’s external sales of pineapples were 27,454 metric tons, of which Japan accounted for 1,295 metric tons, approximately 3.4%. Accounting for 5%, the export value reaches more than NT$900 million, growing year by year. It is estimated that the export volume to Japan this year is expected to exceed 2,500 metric tons. The Ping County Government even stated that in response to the hot sales of Pingtung pineapples, Nippon Seiyu has requested through traders to increase supply to Tai Ping Nong Company. However, due to the current container traffic jams at Japanese ports, in order to take into account the freshness and quality of the fruit, Currently, we will maintain shipments of three 20-foot containers per week, and will increase shipments when the port congestion problem eases.

  The total pineapple planting area in Taiwan is about 11,675 hectares, of which the pineapple planting area in Kaohsiung is about 1,058 hectares, accounting for 13% of the country. Kaohsiung’s annual production is about 56,000 metric tons. The main production areas are concentrated in Dashu, Neimen, Daliao and Niaosong. In other areas, the production season lasts from the end of March to June, and is expected to enter the production period next week.

  The original species "Wanglai" in the big tree area has the leaves of the mother plant covered with sharp thorns. The fruit is small, deep-eyed, thick in fiber, but has a strong fragrance. The canned food has a unique flavor, and there are still a few left in the juice. The remains of the Jiuqutang Taifang Chamber of Commerce's pineapple canning factory during the Japanese colonial period were an important export product in Kaohsiung. During the Japanese era, the pineapple planting area and canning industry of Dashu dominated Taiwan, and the canned pineapples ranked first in the world. 

Guanmiao pineapples are world-famous. The pineapple planting area reaches more than 500 hectares. The Guanmiao pineapples cultivated in the unique hillside geology have moderate sweetness and sourness, are thick and juicy, and have excellent flavor. They are widely

praised.

  The pineapple varieties grown in Guanmiao include Tainong No. 1, 2, 3, and 4 Sakya pineapple, No. 6 apple pineapple, No. 11 perfume pineapple, No. 13 sugarcane pineapple, No. 16 sweet honey pineapple, and No. 17 pineapple. No. 18 golden diamond pineapple, No. 18 golden osmanthus pineapple, No. 19 honey treasure pineapple, etc. There are also special varieties such as green dragon pineapple, milk pineapple, pearl pineapple, and sugar pineapple. It is the most complete and most cultivated variety in Tainan City.

The Agriculture Department of the Chiayi County Government pointed out that the milk pineapple is famous for its snow-white flesh. The flesh is more delicate and white than the golden pineapple, and the taste is richer in sugar and acid content. It also has a light floral aroma, leaving a fragrant aroma on your teeth and cheeks after you eat it. The meaning is still not finished.

Due to the unique climate and geology of Chiayi County, there is a large temperature difference between day and night. Pineapples are also very suitable for planting in well-drained gravel layers mixed with red soil rich in water properties. The milk pineapples produced grow large, fragrant and sweet.

The harvest period of milk pineapples is nearly half a year longer than other varieties. Such slow ripening characteristics create a delicate taste with almost no fiber. Especially during the production period from July to September each year, they are prone to sunburn from the strong summer sun and need to be covered with sunshade cloth. To help protect the fruits from the sun, pillars and ropes must be nailed to fix them to avoid lodging. The planting process is extremely laborious. Each fruit is carefully cultivated by farmers, just to give consumers the most delicious taste.

In recent years, the pineapple planting area in Nantou County has exceeded 1,100 hectares, and the peak production period is from June to August. In order to stabilize the production and marketing of pineapples and promote local production and consumption, the Agricultural and Food Administration of the Executive Yuan Committee has provided guidance to relevant public offices and farmers' associations in the Nantou area from early June to summer vacation. During this period, a series of marketing activities for pineapples were conducted. This series of activities is jointly coordinated by the Nantou County Government. The first one starts from the Mingjian Township Farmers' Association, and will be taken over by the Caotun Township Farmers' Association, Shuili Township Farmers' Association and Mingjian Township Office. The public can roam during the summer vacation Nantou, enjoy delicious pineapples.