Taiwan Deputy Magistrate: Taiwanese Consume Over 10,000 Tons of Custard Apples Annually

Taitung County Deputy Magistrate Wang Chih-hui has challenged assertions that Taiwanese people largely avoid eating custard apples, commonly known as "fengli shijia." He stated that domestic consumption figures tell a different story, with Taiwanese people consuming over 10,000 tons of the fruit annually.

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Numbers speak for themselves; actually, Taiwanese people consume over 10,000 tons of custard apples annually.

Wang's comments appear to be a response to remarks made by a deputy minister from the Mainland Affairs Council, who reportedly suggested that Taiwanese people hardly eat custard apples. Wang emphasized that domestic consumption actually surpasses exports. With annual production sometimes exceeding 20,000 tons, he argued that more than half of the fruit is consumed within Taiwan.

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The domestic consumption volume of custard apples is greater than exports.

He further criticized the notion that most custard apples are exported to mainland China, pointing out that this overlooks significant domestic demand. Wang stressed that statements downplaying local consumption are unfair to Taitung's farmers and the Taiwanese consumers who appreciate the fruit. He urged the Council of Agriculture, now the Ministry of Agriculture, to speak out on the matter.

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It is unfair to Taitung's farmers and Taiwanese consumers who like custard apples.

Wang also defended the Taitung County government's efforts, including the promotion of custard apples at the Straits Forum. He insisted that regardless of export markets, remarks that undermine domestic sales are unacceptable and urged the Mainland Affairs Council not to discourage local consumption.

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The Mainland Affairs Council cannot undermine domestic sales of custard apples, whether they are exported to China or not!