Sweet and fragrant: Yunlin pomelos brought to Taiwan’s legislature ahead of Mid-Autumn Festival

Yunlin’s Douliu pomelos have arrived at Taiwan’s legislature in a campaign designed to turn seasonal attention into direct support for local farmers.

The Yunlin County government held its “Yunlin I love pomelo” promotional event on Friday, displaying fresh fruit, gift boxes and creative pomelo dishes. Deputy County Magistrate Hsieh Shu-ya, Douliu Mayor Lin Sheng-chueh and local growers attended, while lawmakers from the Kuomintang and Taiwan People’s Party voiced their support.

Hsieh said the region’s long rainy season had initially raised concerns that the pomelos might lose flavor. After judges tasted the fruit, however, they found that its sugar content had not declined. She described the texture as springy and the flavor as “sour with sweetness, and sweet with sourness,” adding jokingly that consumers might want to drink water alongside it because it is so fragrant and sweet.

Production in Douliu is expected to be down by about 20% this year, but Hsieh said quality and prices remain unchanged. The county presented the pomelo not only as a gift or offering for traditional worship, but also as an ingredient for everyday food.

The event brought together several local orchards and a production and marketing group. Chef Lin Tung-li, who has more than 20 years of restaurant experience, created pomelo drinks and dishes to show how the fruit can become a fresh, healthy part of daily meals. The county government said it hopes to connect growers, brands, cuisine and retail channels so consumers will support local agriculture through their purchases.

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sour with sweetness, and sweet with sourness