Douliu Pomelos in High Demand Despite Reduced Yield Due to Sweetness

The highly anticipated Douliu pomelo harvest has begun, with the city preparing to celebrate with a series of events culminating in a pomelo market on September 12-13. Despite a climate-induced reduction in yield, this year's pomelos are noted for their exceptional sweetness and high quality. Mayor Lin Sheng-chueh highlighted that the harvest is down by approximately 20-30% compared to previous years. This decrease in quantity has made the available fruit particularly sought after. He also mentioned that the number of participants in the pomelo quality competition has dropped by 30%, urging more growers to join. "This year's pomelos have very good quality and high sweetness," said fruit farmer Zhu Qing-hui, who displayed pomelos at a press conference. "But due to low temperatures in March, the fruit set rate was not good, and the yield decreased by an average of 20-30%. For orchards with weaker plants, the yield reduction is as high as 40-50%."

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This year's pomelos have very good quality and high sweetness. But due to low temperatures in March, the fruit set rate was not good, and the yield decreased by an average of 20-30%. For orchards with weaker plants, the yield reduction is as high as 40-50%.

Douliu City cultivates pomelos across approximately 178 hectares, accounting for over 70% of the county's total production, with an estimated yield of 3,800 metric tons. Lin explained that while the fruit set was affected by the weather, the dry conditions during the ripening period contributed to the high sugar content. The city office is promoting the event on its Facebook page and will announce the details of quality growers after the competition. Residents are encouraged to visit the pomelo market at Pengshu Forest Park or check the city office's Facebook page to purchase the premium fruit. Those who spend over NT$400 at the market will receive a shopping bag, and the event will feature a performance by the Wei Chuan Dragons cheerleading squad.

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Douliu pomelos are ripe and entering the harvest season. This year's production is reduced by about 30%, but the quality is good and the sweetness is high.