Guoxing pineapple is a Tainung No. 17 (Gold Diamond) pineapple grown by a smaller number of farms in Guoxing Township, Nantou — one of Taiwan's dominant pineapple cultivars, with a core soft and thin enough to eat without removal and fine fiber that leaves little residue. Guoxing is better known for green plums, bananas, Beishan tea, and coffee, making pineapple a niche local product best suited to travelers keen to explore Taiwan's pineapple varieties in depth.
What Are Guoxing Pineapples
Gold Diamond pineapple (Tainung No. 17) is a variety developed by Taiwan's agricultural improvement stations; the core is thin and soft enough to eat directly without removal, with high sweetness, low acidity, and fine fiber that leaves minimal residue. The high iron content in Guoxing Township's red soil gives the flesh a deeper orange-yellow color and a fuller, rounder sweetness compared to other growing regions. The Farmers' Association also produces processed goods including pineapple cakes and pineapple jam using local Gold Diamond pineapples as the base ingredient, with a high pineapple filling ratio and an authentic sweet-sour flavor.
Guoxing Township Farmers' Association is the primary distribution and promotional hub; Beishan Village and Changliu Village are the two main production areas. The first spring harvest (April–May) has the highest sugar content, while the summer harvest (June–July) yields the most volume at the most approachable prices. During the Farmers' Association Pineapple Festival, farm visits are open to the public; local residents typically enjoy fresh pineapple with plum powder or shredded ginger to cut the sweetness, the most common local eating style.
How to Choose Like a Local
Local Knowledge
Verified Sources
- Guoxing Township Farmers' Association product promotion page lists Gold Diamond pineapple as the township's representative agricultural product and holds an annual Pineapple Festival.
- The Nantou County Government tourism website Guoxing Township specialty page lists pineapple as the representative agricultural product with season and origin information noted.
Visitor Tips
- Outside the harvest season (August through March the following year), fresh Guoxing pineapples are almost entirely unavailable; Farmers' Association processed goods are sold year-round but confirm the source origin.
- When carrying a whole pineapple, note the leaf crown — yellowing leaf tips indicate over-ripeness and the fruit should be eaten promptly; fully green crowns can be left at room temperature for 2–3 days to ripen further.
- Farm pick-your-own visits require contacting the Farmers' Association in advance to confirm open dates; direct picking is not available every day.
Sources: Guoxing Township Farmers' Association Agricultural Product Promotion Page, Nantou County Government Tourism Website. Photos pending Dio's on-site photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
What variety is Guoxing pineapple?
Guoxing pineapple is Tainung No. 17, commonly known as Gold Diamond pineapple, one of Taiwan's most widely cultivated pineapple cultivars with a core soft enough to eat without removal.
What is Guoxing Township best known for agriculturally?
Guoxing is best known for green plums, bananas, Beishan tea, and coffee; pineapple is a comparatively niche product in the township.
What makes Tainung No. 17 pineapple distinctive?
Tainung No. 17 has fine fiber, an aromatic flesh, and a well-balanced sweet-tart flavor, making it Taiwan's leading pineapple variety for both domestic and export markets.