Taiwan, known as the “Fruit Kingdom,” boasts a remarkable diversity of fruits that reflect the island’s unique climate and geography. Nestled in the subtropical zone, Taiwan experiences a range of weather patterns, from warm, humid summers to mild, wet winters. The climatic variety provides the ideal conditions for cultivating a wide array of Taiwanese fruits. From the lush plains of the west to the towering mountains in the east, the country’s topography further enhances this diversity. Succulent mangoes flourish in the tropical lowlands, while the higher altitudes are perfect for a variety of citrus fruits.
The exceptional fruit offerings in Taiwan include pineapples, guavas, dragon fruits, and papayas. As a Taiwanese, I truly feel fruits are not separable from our culture. Thus, I gonna introduce where to buy fruits in Taiwan and 14 fruits that I highly recommend!
Where to buy fruits in Taiwan like a local
Source: (Left) 賺一元水果行 / (Right) 台灣旅行趣
In Taiwan, you can find fruit stalls in many places. By searching “水果攤” (fruit stall) on Google Maps, you can locate shops specializing in selling fruits. These stores are often found near traditional markets, displaying various fruits on carts. Simply grab a plastic bag, choose the fruits you desire, and bring them to the counter for weighing and payment. Some vendors go the extra mile by providing services like peeling pineapples, extracting durian flesh, or opening coconuts for coconut water. You can sometimes even ask to taste the fruit before buying!
Of course, fruits are also available in supermarkets, where you can even find pre-cut fruit platters. While these options may be pricier, they are convenient for tourists who want to try a variety of fruits in smaller quantities. Common supermarkets in Taiwan include chains like PX Mart, Carrefour, and Wellcome.
Top 14 Delicious Fruits you should try in Taiwan
Pineapples: Most Iconic Taiwanese Fruits
🍀 Year-round
Source: 遠見誌
Taiwan has made a remarkable mark on the global pineapple stage, yielding over 520,000 tons of tropical fruits in 2016. As a result, Taiwan has become the largest pineapple producer in the world. This success is largely attributed to a unique array of pineapple cultivars with names like the “Golden Diamond Pineapples 金鑽鳳梨” and the “Winter Honey Pineapples 冬蜜鳳梨.” The latter, celebrated for its exceptional sweetness and fine-textured flesh, has captured the taste buds of consumers, primarily in China.
Source: 裕珍馨
These sweet and tangy tropical gems are grown year-round, with a peak season in spring and summer. Taiwanese pineapple symbolizes good luck and is popular during the Lunar New Year. Thanks to the high quality of pineapples, Taiwan turns pineapples into various products. For example, the pineapple cake is one of the must-buy souvenirs in Taiwan. Moreover, the sweet canned pineapple produced by Taiwan Sugar Corporation is the memory of all Taiwanese people.
Mangoes: Most Popular Taiwanese Fruits
🍀 May – September
Taiwan’s mango industry is a testament to its rich agricultural history and innovation. Introduced during the Dutch colonial era, mangoes have evolved to offer diverse flavors and experiences. The beloved local variety, “Chaixiazi 柴檨仔” or “Lover’s mango 情人果,” reflects the island’s agricultural heritage. Taiwan’s commitment to mango cultivation is underscored by its development of unique varieties like “Jinhuang No. 1 金煌一號,” showcasing a dedication to innovation.
Source: Shutterstock
Taiwanese mangoes are celebrated for their intoxicating fragrance and juicy, vibrant flavor. The season begins in May and extends into July, with the finest from the southern regions of Tainan and Pingtung.
Taiwan’s mangoes hold a special place in its culinary culture. They are used in various dishes, from mango shaved ice to mango salads, and are incorporated into popular beverages and desserts. They are great treats after a hot spring trip to Beitou. Each mango variety contributes its distinct flavor, adding versatility to the island’s cuisine. Furthermore, the embrace of sustainable and organic farming practices ensures that these delectable mangoes meet evolving consumer preferences and environmental concerns. Needless to say, mango is one of the best fruits in Taiwan.
Source: Smoothie House
Here is a cute website that highlights 23 types of Taiwan’s mangoes sorted by their sweetness and size respectively: https://taiwandatastories.com/taiwan-mangoes/
Go check it and you will have a better scope for the mangoes, one of the most representative fruits in Taiwan.
Lychees: Sweetest Taiwanese Fruits
🍀 May – August
Source: 台灣主婦聯盟
Taiwan’s journey with lychee has seen the introduction of several noteworthy varieties, with ‘Black Leaf Lychee 黑葉荔枝’ as the original variety. Subsequently, “Jade Purse Lychee 玉荷包荔枝” and ‘Nuo Mi Lychee 糯米荔枝’ were developed, each representing different regions of the island. Furthermore, the innovation of “small-seeded” lychee through genetic modification marked a turning point in the global recognition of Taiwan’s lychee as a premium fruit.
With their sweet, floral notes and succulent flesh, lychees are a beloved summer treat. Taiwan’s Hsinchu and Yilan regions are famous for their exceptional lychee orchards, where you can savor the finest varieties.
When selecting lychee, look for a vibrant red hue with hints of green, as these are the sweetest. Storing lychee is straightforward; keep them in a sealed plastic bag, lightly sprayed with water, in the refrigerator, ensuring they’re consumed within a week to enjoy their freshness. Taiwan’s lychee is a delightful blend of tradition and innovation, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers.
Papayas: Most Tropical Taiwanese Fruits
🍀 Year-round
Source: 美濃專賣店
Taiwan’s vibrant papaya scene offers travelers a unique opportunity to savor a diverse range of this tropical fruit. The commonly found papaya varieties in Taiwan include “Tai Nong No. 2 台農二號,” “Ri-Sheng 日陞,” and “Red Lady 紅妃.” Among these, “Tai Nong No. 2 台農二號” stands out for its year-round availability, medium-sized fruit, deep orange flesh, high sugar content, and exceptional flavor. It has become a popular choice in local markets and holds promise for export.
These tropical fruits offer a sweet, musky taste and are available year-round in Taiwan, with the peak season during the summer. The southern part of Taiwan, including Taitung and Pingtung, is the primary papaya-producing region.
Selecting the perfect papaya is an art in itself. When shopping, look for fruits with smooth, unblemished skin that is predominantly green with hints of yellow. The color transition from yellow to red around the stem is a sign of ripeness. Opt for well-shaped, undamaged papayas that are plump and inviting. After purchasing, let unripe papayas ripen at room temperature until they are soft near the stem or fully colored. Store ripe papayas in the refrigerator to prolong their freshness.
Source: 健康遠見
Papaya symbolizes freshness, health, and a delightful culinary journey. The abundance of papaya varieties means there’s always something new and exciting to discover. So, whether you’re strolling through bustling night markets or enjoying a refreshing glass of “Papaya Milk” from a street vendor, you’re sure to encounter the rich tapestry of papaya flavors that Taiwan has to offer.
Dragon Fruits: Most Vibrant Taiwanese Fruits
🍀 July – September
Source: 自由健康網
When it comes to exotic and visually stunning fruits, dragon fruits in Taiwan are a must-try for any traveler. This tropical delight is renowned for its red or pink appearance, and it’s equally captivating in taste and nutritional value. Packed with a plethora of vitamins like B and C, minerals including iron, soluble dietary fibers, and carotenoids, dragon fruit offers a sweet, refreshing experience whether consumed fresh or as a delicious juice. Dragon fruits are available year-round but peak during the summer in Taiwan.
In Taiwan, the dragon fruit’s prime growing regions include Changhua, Taichung, and Nantou. The country’s favorable climate and excellent cultivation techniques result in dragon fruits that are both visually appealing and exquisitely flavorful. With its diverse varieties, including red and white-fleshed dragon fruits, you’ll find a spectrum of flavors and colors to explore.
How to select the perfect dragon fruit? Look for fruits that are heavy for their size, indicating they are juicy and full of flesh. Opt for those with even color transitions on their skin, going from green to vibrant red or pink. Ensure the fruit is free from blemishes, cracks, or damage. As for the aftermath of enjoying this succulent treat, don’t be alarmed if you notice some unique effects in the restroom. The dragon fruit’s “betacyanin,” a natural pigment that your body can’t fully absorb, can lead to colorful surprises in your stool the next day, a harmless and fascinating aspect of this delectable fruit.
Wax Apples: Most Unique Taiwanese Fruits
🍀 November – July
Source: 農傳媒
One such delight that foreign travelers should not miss during their visit is the wax apple or “lianwu 蓮霧” in Chinese. This fruit, known by various names, including the Black Pearl wax apple, offers an intriguing blend of sweet, crisp, and refreshing flavors. These wax apples have an intriguing variety, unique taste, and appearance.
The wax apple is significant in Taiwan’s cultural and culinary heritage. Its introduction to Taiwan in the 17th century by Dutch settlers from the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia has made it an intrinsic part of the island’s culture. The term “lianwu 蓮霧” is derived from the Malay word “jambu,” widely used by Southeast Asian indigenous communities to describe this fruit.
Taiwan is home to several wax apple varieties, with the “Black Diamond 黑鑽石” wax apple being a standout example. Characterized by its gigantic size, sweet juiciness, and signature crispness, the Black Diamond wax apple is celebrated for its unique flavor and appearance. These fruits, appearing like glistening gemstones on the trees, have earned the moniker “black diamonds.” With a harvest season slightly later than other prominent wax apple varieties, the Black Diamond offers a distinctive taste experience.
Starfruits: Best Shaped Taiwanese Fruits
🍀 Year-round
Source: 農訊雜誌
Star-shaped and sweet-tart, starfruit is available year-round with a peak in summer. With its unique shape and intricate blend of flavors, starfruit is a fruit lover’s delight. However, selecting and relishing starfruit at its peak requires some insight, as it’s a delicate fruit prone to damage. If you are looking to try exotic fruits, this is a great option to try out.
Starfruit ripeness is signified by its changing appearance, and different varieties have distinct color cues. For instance, “二林種” (Èr Lín Zhǒng) and “秤錘種” (Chèng Chuí Zhǒng) varieties should turn yellow, while Malaysian starfruit should transition to orange-red with a touch of green. A fully yellow or orange fruit is typically only about seven to eight-tenths ripe. Opt for starfruit with plump, small-sized fruit and thicker ridges to enjoy a sweet, juicy, and delightful eating experience.
Guavas: Most Local Taiwanese Fruits
🍀 October – April
Source: HUG網路超市
Crisp, slightly tart, and fragrant, guavas are available year-round, with a peak in autumn. You can enjoy guavas as a healthy and refreshing snack.
Since the 1980s, Taiwanese farmers have developed new guava varieties to cater to diverse consumer preferences. Among these, “Pearl guava 珍珠芭樂”, often called “Milk guava 牛奶芭樂” due to the use of milk-based fertilizers, has become a market favorite. For those seeking an improved guava experience, the “King guava 帝王芭樂” stands out with its large size, thick flesh, and crisp texture.
Beyond the traditional green-skinned and white-fleshed guavas, you can explore “Red guava 紅心芭樂”, which boasts a striking coral-red flesh thanks to its carotene and lycopene content. While it’s prevalent in the Americas, the Taiwanese version has been enhanced through grafting, elevating its flavor and aroma.
Guavas in Taiwan are not just a treat for your taste buds; they are also a rich source of vitamin C, exceeding the levels found in more commonly associated fruits like lemons and oranges. These low-calorie, high-fiber delights can help you feel full, making them a go-to choice for those watching their weight. To select the perfect guava, seek those that feel substantial in your hand, have a light green skin with a misty finish, and possibly display slightly uneven texture.
Longans: Most Festive Taiwanese Fruits
🍀 June – November
Source: 元氣網
Taiwan’s delectable longans, introduced around 300 years ago, thrive in the island’s ideal climate and terrain. These exquisite fruits have made their mark as Taiwan’s fourth-largest cultivated fruit, following bananas, mangoes, and pineapples, with over 50 distinct varieties. Known as “dragon’s eyes” in Chinese, longans offer a sweet, honey-like flavor. They are harvested in late summer and early autumn Longan harvest season spans from June to November, offering a delightful spectrum of flavors and textures, from the early-ripening “May Longan 五月龍眼” to the crispy “October Longan 十月龍眼”.
Dried longans / Source: kknews
Beyond the orchards, Tainan’s Donshan 東山 region has cultivated a unique longan industry chain. The season kicks off with beekeepers collecting longan flower honey in April, while farmers harvest longan flowers for tea. Peak harvest from late July to early August sees farmworkers hand-picking the bountiful fresh longans, which are then expertly slow-roasted in traditional wood-burning kilns for six days and nights. The result is dried longans with black pulp bursting with flavor and succulence.
Enjoy the delightful sweetness of Dongshan longans, whether you relish them fresh or discover them incorporated into various local delicacies. With a rich nutritional profile featuring vitamins B and C, these fruits are a treat for your taste buds and a testament to Taiwan’s fruit culture.
Watermelons: Most Common Fruits in Taiwan
🍀 March – July
Source: (Left) 天下雜誌 / (Right) 自由時報
Taiwan’s watermelon varieties are a delightful experience that foreign travelers should not miss. The island’s two most common types, “big watermelons” and “small (honey) melons,” take turns gracing markets and fruit stalls from March to July. These melons are celebrated for their remarkable sweetness, with sugar content often surpassing 10 degrees and occasionally soaring to an astonishing 15 or 16 degrees when harvested at around 90% ripeness during the summer season.
Source: 農傳媒
Taiwan’s watermelons offer a diverse array of flavors and textures, ranging from the rich, red-fleshed varieties with intense aromas to the smaller, yellow-fleshed honey melons, known for their crisp and refreshing taste. When selecting the perfect melon, consider factors like a smooth surface, vibrant color, well-defined patterns, a slightly curled stem, and a subtle depression at the blossom end. And if you’re seeking that irresistible ripeness, the “sound test” – a deep, juicy resonance when tapping the melon – is your key to melon paradise.
Pears: Most Elegant Taiwanese Fruits
🍀 June – September
Source: udn
Taiwan’s grafted pears, often referred to as “gaojie pears 高接梨,” are not a specific variety but a product of ingenious horticultural techniques. In this subtropical paradise, the temperate climate required to grow high-altitude pears naturally is missing. To bridge this gap, local farmers employ a grafting method by connecting flower buds from high-altitude temperate pears to lowland “Hengshan pear 橫山梨” trees. These resulting pears, known collectively as “gaojie pears 高接梨,” offer a solution to Taiwan’s climate limitations, extending the pear season from June to September.
Among the popular pear varieties in Taiwan are “Qiushui pear 秋水梨,” a fusion of Japanese and Taiwanese expertise, and “Mi pear 蜜梨,” known for its honey-like sweetness and aroma. “Fengshui pear 豐水梨,” originally from Japan, boasts an elongated shape and luscious flesh, while “Xue pear 雪梨” stands as the largest, earning the title of the “king of pears.”
Source: 微笑台灣
Pears have a high water content and are rich in fructose, making them a natural thirst-quencher and a good source of dietary fiber when consumed with the skin. In Taiwan’s markets, you’ll encounter an array of grafted pears, each offering a unique taste and texture. The grafting technique that enables their growth has turned the once-impossible into a delightful reality for locals and travelers alike.
Passion fruits: Most Passionate Fruit on the Island
🍀 July – January
Source: 天下雜誌
Taiwan’s passion fruit industry, sprawling across approximately 800 hectares, has established the island as a prominent hub for this exotic tropical delight. Taitung stands out as the leading producer, benefitting from an optimal climate of abundant sunlight, low humidity, and excellent ventilation.
With the introduction of hybrid passion fruit varieties, Taitung embraced a transformation four years ago. The locally developed “Tai Nong No. 1 台農一號” passion fruit, nurtured with guidance from agricultural associations and researchers, has thrived in Taitung’s favorable conditions.
Common Taiwanese varieties of passion fruits include “Tai Nong No. 1 台農一號,” “Star of Heaven 滿天星,” and “Golden Passion Fruit 黃金百香果.” Among these, the globally acclaimed “Tai Nong No. 1 台農一號” has not only dominated Taiwan’s market but has also found favor in passion fruit-producing countries like Vietnam. When selecting these juicy treasures, opt for plump fruits with smooth skin, vibrant colors, substantial weight, and a rich fragrance. Before eating, remember to use a spoon to stir the flesh of the passion fruit. This will cause the juice to flow out, making it even more delicious to eat.
Persimmons: Most Cultural Taiwanese Fruits
🍀 September – November
Source: 無限生活誌
Taiwan’s persimmon orchards boast a diverse array of both astringent and sweet varieties. Astringent types like Niuxinshi and Sizhoushi thrive in Chiayi Fanlu and Taichung, while Shishi dominates the Hsinchu and Miaoli regions. Sweet persimmons, including “Fuyu 富有” and “Jiro 次郎”, flourish in the central and southern mountainous areas, with Heping Township in Taichung at the heart of this abundance.
Rich in dietary fiber, persimmons contribute to lower cholesterol and promote gastrointestinal health. However, due to their soluble tannin content, individuals with anemia should consume them in moderation. The prime season for persimmons is from September to November, offering a range of options from crisp to soft textures. Whether enjoyed fresh or dried into delightful persimmon cakes, these fruits offer a unique blend of flavors and textures, making them a true Taiwanese delight.
Source: UFood
As autumn unfolds with the Hsinchu winds of Jiujiang (九降風), persimmons ripen, marking the season for sun-drying. From September to January, persimmons undergo meticulous processing to become delightful and chewy “persimmon cakes 柿餅”. These cakes can be savored in various ways, from steeping in hot tea to enhancing chicken soup or serving as a versatile ingredient in various dishes. Explore the world of Taiwan’s persimmons, where each bite is a delightful journey into rich flavors and unique textures.
Custard Apples / Sugar Apples: Most Exotic Fruit in Taiwan
🍀 August – March
Dive into Taiwan’s custard apple (or sugar apples) wonderland, locally known as “釋迦” (Shijia), a tropical fruits introduced by the Dutch over 400 years ago. Bathed in the radiant sunlight of Southern Taiwan, custard apples have undergone centuries of refinement, particularly shining in the form of the Fengli custard apple—a local favorite with its robust size and exceptional quality. Even though they do not originate from the island, this is probably one of the more exotic fruits you can find here in Taiwan!
Why is Taitung the Custard Apple heaven? Taitung takes the crown for cultivating custard apples that are two to three times larger than those in other regions. The harvest season extends from July to January, offering an extended period to relish the succulent delights. Explore the custard apple varieties, from the round and spoon-friendly Damu Custard Apple to the aromatic Fengli Custard Apple, each providing a unique culinary experience.
Source: (Left) 奧丁丁客棧 / (Right) udn
Traditional Damu vs. Fengli Custard Apple
Distinguish between the traditional “Damu Custard Apple 大目釋迦” and the “Fengli Custard Apple 鳳梨釋迦” to embark on a journey of unique tastes. The Traditional Custard Apple, available from August to October and December to March, boasts a round form and a sweet, creamy texture. In contrast, the Fengli Custard Apple takes center stage in Taitung, showcasing a distinctive pointed scale pattern and a more solid, slightly crisp flesh. With its large size, fewer seeds, and a hint of pineapple aroma, the Fengli Custard Apple promises a delightful balance of sweetness and freshness. Explore the richness of Taiwan’s custard apple legacy with these distinct varieties that captivate the palate.
These fruits are more than just a treat for the senses; they also hold cultural significance in Taiwan. Besides the fruits mentioned above, grapes from Taichung, bananas from Kaohsiung and strawberries from Miaoli are all worth-tasting fruits in Taiwan. Whether you enjoy them fresh, in desserts, or as part of local traditions, exploring Taiwan’s fruit bounty is a delightful journey into its natural riches. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor these remarkable flavors when visiting Taiwan.
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