The pineapple sugar apple, also referred to as the "pineapple custard apple," is a staple specialty fruit from Taitung County in southeastern Taiwan. This fruit is notable for its sweet flavor, creamy texture, substantial flesh, minimal seeds, and nutritional content.
Zhang Jian, who manages around 5 hectares of orchards in Taitung, describes the pineapple sugar apple as distinct due to its prominent "eyes," small seeds, and a pineapple-like aroma. With proper care, the fruit often weighs between 700 to 800 grams, reaching up to 1 kilogram. A bite into the fruit reveals the subtle pineapple flavor that inspired its name.
Taitung's pineapple sugar apples are exported to diverse regions, including the United States, Canada, Europe, and South America. In Vietnam, the fruit is mainly sold as hand-carried goods at prices between USD 12 to 18 per kilogram. Zhang Jian states, "After Lunar New Year each year, we prune all branches to lower the tree height and encourage new shoots. While most regions harvest only once a year, Taitung's unique geography and climate allow for two harvests annually."
Farmers wrap each fruit in paper bags about a month before harvest, preventing insect and fruit fly infestations. Once bagging begins, pesticide application ceases. Orchard management includes mechanical mowing, avoiding the use of herbicides. This method ensures a cleaner cultivation process, enhancing the fruit's flavor for those who pick them directly from the orchards.
Incorporating agrotourism, Taitung farms invite visitors to engage in fruit picking and learn about cultivation practices. Agrotourism complements farmers' income and elevates the agricultural sector's cultural and educational significance. Tourists often visit during the December to April harvest season to partake in activities like making pineapple, sugar apple jam, or ice cream. Such immersive experiences contribute 30–40% to annual revenue.
Advanced technologies in Taiwan's agricultural sector are evident in pineapple and sugar apple farming. From organic practices to automated systems, these methods ensure premium quality standards for export. Cooperation among smallholder farmers and government support via biotech transfer projects and soil analysis foster productivity and quality enhancement, linking farmers to export markets.
Source: Vietnam.net