Taiwan's Zhongpu Chestnuts Recover to 70% Output After Typhoons; Gift Box Pre-orders Open

CHIAYI, Taiwan – Chestnuts from Zhongpu Township, often called the "green emeralds under Alishan," are making a comeback after two years of significant crop damage. Production has now recovered to about 70% of its pre-typhoon levels, with the harvest season beginning in late August.

The Zhongpu Township Farmers' Association is seizing the opportunity to boost sales by opening pre-orders for their premium chestnut gift boxes, targeting the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival market. This initiative aims to support local farmers and re-establish the region's reputation for high-quality chestnuts.

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The chestnuts were affected by typhoons in the previous two years, leading to crop failures. Although the weather has been more stable this year, the chestnut trees, after two years of wind damage and heavy rainfall in June, have affected some tree roots. Although not fully recovered to pre-disaster levels, the output has returned to about 70% of previous years.

Zhongpu is Taiwan's largest chestnut-producing area and the earliest to harvest globally, with the season typically running from late August to late September. However, the region suffered severe losses in consecutive years due to typhoons. This year, with more stable weather, farmers are optimistic about the yield, despite some lingering effects from recent heavy rainfall in June that impacted tree roots.

Lin De-yuan, head of the Zhongpu Township Special Crop Marketing Class No. 6, noted that while the trees are still recovering, the current yield is promising. Li Ning-jie, the Secretary-General of the Zhongpu Township Farmers' Association, highlighted the unique preparation method of Zhongpu's "Golden Chestnuts." Unlike common sugar-roasted varieties, these chestnuts are salt-roasted for about 20 minutes, a process that brings out their natural sweetness and results in a fluffy texture. The association is offering various gift box options, including fresh chestnuts, peeled and frozen varieties, and ready-to-eat packages.

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Unlike the commonly seen sugar-roasted chestnuts, Zhongpu golden chestnuts are salt-roasted for about 20 minutes. The golden kernels burst out from the brown shells, not only making the fruit plump and soft but also highlighting the natural sweetness and texture of the chestnuts.