The story of the Summer Snow Mango began with a 14-year journey of breeding and selection. Using the native mango familiar to local residents as the mother plant, researcher Hsueh-Ju Lee of an agricultural research and extension station carefully selected and developed the variety. Mangoes are cross-pollinated crops, and a seed often takes five to six years before it flowers and bears fruit. Most offspring do not turn out as expected, so finding an ideal individual plant is no easy task. After years of line comparison and regional cultivation trials, Summer Snow was officially named and registered in 2008, becoming the first mango variety in Taiwan to receive plant variety rights and its own official identity. It also earned a popular nickname: the “LV of mangoes.”
(Photo credit: Sun Farm)
(Photo credit: Sun Farm)
Three Flavors in One Mango
Unlike the bright red appearance commonly associated with Irwin mangoes, Summer Snow has golden to orange-yellow skin and fine, bright orange flesh. With one bite, the rich aroma of native mango, the smooth texture of Irwin mango, and the sweetness of Jin Huang mango come together. In size, each fruit weighs about 400 to 550 grams, giving it a fuller appearance than the more common Irwin mango, which usually weighs around 300 to 500 grams. Its sweetness measures about 12 to 15 degrees Brix, less intense than the 15 to 18 degrees Brix of Irwin mangoes. Its acidity is also lower, giving it a sweet but not overly rich flavor with a clean finish. The fruit also has a high edible flesh ratio, with 1.9 grams of dietary fiber per 100 grams as well as vitamin A, making it a prized fruit of summer.
A Honey-Like Aroma Shaped by Taitung
Interestingly, Summer Snow was initially trial-grown by farmers in central, southern, and eastern Taiwan. Over time, growers found that fruit cultivated in Taitung developed a subtle honey-like aroma in its finish. Taitung’s abundant sunshine, warm climate, and clean air seem to bring out the variety’s character especially well. Today, Summer Snow has become closely associated with Taitung. Around 300 hectares of Summer Snow Mangoes are grown across Taiwan, with Taitung and Pingtung accounting for about 200 hectares. The reference price is around NT$150 to NT$200 per 600 grams, about two to three times the price of Irwin mangoes. Its harvest season is as brief as the first snowfall. The fruit is available for only around 42 days each year, with the 2026 season expected to run from mid-June to mid-July. Summer Snow must be tree-ripened before harvesting, and its aroma and sweetness are at their best when about 80 percent of the skin has turned yellow.
(Photo credit: Sun Farm)
(Photo credit: Sun Farm)
(Photo credit: Sun Farm)
Every Mango Is Treated Like a Treasure
Summer Snow is a delicate variety. It is sensitive to heat and rain and cannot be rushed. A small mistake can undo an entire year of work, so caring for each tree requires considerable time and attention. At the foot of the mountains in the Taitung Rift Valley, third-generation farmer Chun-Chao Yu runs SUN FARM with eco-friendly, low-density cultivation. The orchard uses grass-cover cultivation and clean stream water for irrigation. No herbicides are sprayed, and weeds are removed by hand. As soon as the young fruits appear, they are carefully thinned one by one. Fruit that does not develop well is removed and returned to the soil, while the remaining mangoes are individually bagged to protect them from insects and physical damage.
Ripeness is the most important part of the process. Summer Snow Mangoes cannot be artificially ripened. Farmers must wait for them to turn yellow naturally on the tree, harvesting each fruit only when it reaches the right stage. The mangoes are picked and packed on the same day, helping preserve their full aroma and flavor. Every Summer Snow Mango that reaches the customer has been cared for this carefully from the beginning.
(Photo credit: Sun Farm)
From Taitung to International Markets
This dedication has gradually built a reputation for Summer Snow Mangoes. About ten years ago, Super Typhoon Nepartak nearly destroyed the entire orchard. Even so, the father and son did not give up. They rebuilt through persistence and carried forward a brand philosophy of “The more local, the more global.” Today, Summer Snow Mangoes from SUN FARM are positioned as premium fruit. Grade A mangoes are selected, individually wrapped in protective netting, labeled with variety authorization stickers, and packed into carefully designed gift boxes suitable for both gifting and personal enjoyment. The mangoes have developed a loyal following in Hong Kong, with customers returning year after year.
(Photo credit: Taitung County Government)
They have also been exported to Southeast Asia and sold at retail counters as far away as Dubai. This year, the farm also welcomed its first discussions with a Canadian trading company. With cold-chain delivery, the fruit can retain much of its freshness from the orchard all the way to overseas markets. In recent years, the Taitung County Government has also helped expand channels for premium gift boxes, corporate group orders, e-commerce, and exports. Following the custard apple, Summer Snow has become Taitung’s most brilliant flagship summer brand, carrying the authentic flavors of the region to the international stage.
