Xihu Wendan Pomelo | Miaoli Signature Dish

Xihu Township in Miaoli County is known for its Wendan pomelo, with about 130 hectares under cultivation across the township — the highest quality ranking in Miaoli County. Every year after the White Dew solar term (early September), the ripe Wendan pomelos begin to be harvested: the skin turns yellow, the juice becomes sweet and clean, and the bitter-astringent notes drop to a minimum — the optimal window for enjoying them. The Miaoli County Government Agricultural Bureau publishes a procurement announcement every year, and the pomelo blossom season in March and April even lets visitors book the taste of autumn in advance while surrounded by the blossoms' fragrance.

What is Xihu Wendan Pomelo

Wendan pomelo (Citrus maxima 'Wentan') is a pomelo variety with a slightly flattened-round shape, thin skin, and thick flesh. The flesh is pale yellow-white, fine-textured and juicy, and its flavor profile is defined by sweetness with a mild bitter-astringent edge. Xihu Township's low-hill terrain, well-draining sandy loam, and ample sunlight produce Wendan pomelos with a high sugar-acid ratio and rich fragrance. The genuine White Dew harvest is concentrated from late September through October; at this point the peel turns orange-yellow and the fragrance is at its peak. Eaten right at harvest, the sugar content can exceed 12 degrees Brix.

The Xihu Township Farmers' Association is the primary official channel for promoting and selling Xihu Wendan pomelos. Coordinating with the county government's annual "White Dew Pomelo Season" announcement, the association purchases directly from farmers and offers gift box delivery service. Local farms such as Haiyuan Wendan Farm (40-year-old trees) and Shuitong Bo Pomelo Farm also open to visitors for fruit-picking experiences. During the March–April pomelo blossom season, strolling through the orchards and breathing in the pure white blossom fragrance has itself become one of Xihu's spring seasonal activities.

How to eat it like a local

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Catch the seasonHarvest starts after White Dew; late September to October is the golden window. Pomelos harvested too early have a noticeable bitter-astringent taste; setting them aside for one to two weeks after purchase improves sweetness.

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Buy direct from the farm or associationThe Xihu Township Farmers' Association and established local farms offer direct-from-source sales — fresher than market middleman products. Some allow on-site picking with pricing by weight.

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How to pick a good oneChoose fruit with fine-textured skin, a springy feel when pressed, and a fresh stem. A skin that has turned slightly orange-yellow is sweeter than fully green; don't fixate on a perfectly round shape.

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Pomelo blossom experienceEntering the orchards to appreciate the blossoms in March–April requires contacting farms in advance. Beyond the flowers, you can purchase farm-made pomelo blossom tea or pomelo blossom honey — both wonderfully fragrant.

Local knowledge

Verified facts

The Miaoli County Government Agricultural Bureau publishes an official announcement every year titled "Fragrance Drifts After White Dew — Miaoli Xihu Wendan Pomelo On Sale" — officially recognized as a key seasonal agricultural product.
The Miaoli Regional Agricultural Research and Extension Station crop calendar records the main harvest period of Xihu Wendan as late September to October; orchard quality is most recognized around Yongfu Village in Xihu Township.
The Xihu Township Office tourism page records total cultivation area at approximately 130 hectares — the largest Wendan pomelo growing area in Miaoli County.

Tips for visiting

Wendan pomelos harvested after White Dew are sweeter after two weeks of resting; eating on the day of purchase may be slightly bitter. Stored at room temperature, the flavor rounds out.
Most fruit-picking farms are family-run operations; advance booking is required on peak-season weekends. If no one answers, contact the Xihu Township Farmers' Association to help arrange a match.
"Miaoli Wendan" sold online varies widely in quality; ordering directly from the Xihu Township Farmers' Association or a named local farm is recommended to ensure genuine origin.

Sources: Miaoli County Government Agricultural Bureau official announcements, Xihu Township Office tourism page, Miaoli Regional Agricultural Research and Extension Station crop calendar. Photos to be replaced after Dio's on-site shoot.

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