Taitung, a pristine agricultural haven in eastern Taiwan, is renowned for its abundant natural resources. On this fertile land, through methods both eco-friendly and symbiotic with nature, Taitung cultivates sugar apples of exceptional quality, often hailed as the “Emeralds of Taitung.”
(Photo Credit: 好時果子 )
The natural cultivation process of Taitung sugar apples completely avoids the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Farmers rely on a blend of traditional wisdom and modern ecological techniques to create a sustainable agricultural model. They practice grass mulching, allowing various wild grasses to grow freely in the orchards. The dense grass cover not only provides natural nutrients to the soil but also fosters a rich ecological system.
Grass mulching preserves native grass species to avoid herbicide use, allowing the roots of these grass plants to stabilize the soil, enhance water retention, and improve erosion resistance. Additionally, the organic matter from the grass decomposes into a dark humus, enriching soil fertility and enhancing soil structure. Moreover, the grass cover helps maintain soil moisture, reducing water evaporation and creating an optimal growth environment for crops.
(Photo Credit: 好時果子 )
Research shows that grass mulching can sequester carbon at rates 2-10 times higher than conventional farming methods. This not only increases soil organic matter but also provides food sources and habitat for wildlife. Farmers further utilize natural predators such as spiders, ladybugs, and predatory bugs to control pests, replacing the use of chemical pesticides with biological pest control methods. These natural farming practices not only enhance the quality of sugar apples but also maintain the ecological balance, thereby achieving sustainable environmental management.
Under the meticulous care of natural farming practices, the quality of Taitung sugar apples has reached new heights. Farmers, guided by years of experience, carefully select fruits at optimal ripeness for harvest, ensuring that each sugar apple offers exceptional taste and flavor. This dedicated cultivation management has endowed Taitung sugar apples with unparalleled quality, establishing them as a natural treasure in the eyes of consumers.
Taitung is renowned for three famous varieties of sugar apples — Emerald, Damu, and Pineapple sugar apples. Under careful natural cultivation, each variety exhibits its unique charm.
Emerald sugar apples are known for their vivid green color and delicate texture, with soft and juicy flesh that exudes a rich aroma. Damu sugar apples are distinguished by their plump and sizable appearance, featuring fine, dense flesh that carries the traditional flavor beloved by older generations. Pineapple sugar apples, also known as atemoyas, with their firm and compact flesh, are set apart by a subtle but distinctive pineapple fragrance. Nurtured under natural farming practices, the quality of these sugar apple varieties, has scaled new peaks.
(Photo Credit: 無毒農-友善環境的安心水果)
In Taitung, there is a group of young farmers dedicated to eco-friendly farming practices, achieving notable success in organic sugar apple cultivation. For instance, the “Taimali Young Farmers” advocate for full grass mulching without herbicides, creating orchards that serve as havens for insects and birds. Additionally, the couple, Xie Jin-hong and Lin Pei-ying of “Good Time Fruit,” are committed to pesticide-free farming, promoting natural farming methods. These farmers have enhanced the visibility and quality of Taitung sugar apples through brand building and market promotion efforts.
The success of Taitung sugar apples stems not only from the individual efforts of farmers but also from their collaboration and knowledge-sharing. These farmers actively exchange cultivation insights and collaborate on enhancing yields under pesticide-free conditions. Despite their relatively small cultivation areas, they have consolidated their strengths through brand establishment and joint shipping, enabling Taitung sugar apples to gain widespread recognition in the market. This spirit of cooperation and innovation is crucial to Taitung sugar apples earning their reputation as the “Emeralds of Taitung.”
(Photo Credit: 好時果子 )
Taitung sugar apples are not just delicious fruits; they are also a culmination of the farmers’ love for their land and commitment to sustainability. Through natural farming practices, they nurture the green treasures of this land, embodying the spirit of slow food in Taitung through their practical actions. Let’s support these dedicated farmers, savor the rich taste of Taitung sugar apples, and experience the wisdom of harmonious coexistence between nature and people.
