Guoxing Pineapple | Nantou Signature Dish

The low mountain hills of Guoxing Township at 200–600 meters elevation have red soil with good water retention and rich iron content; combined with warm air channeled north from the Taichung Basin, these conditions let Gold Diamond pineapples (Tainung No. 17) grow exceptionally sweet here. The first spring fruits arrive in April, consistently reaching sugar content above 15 Brix, yet with far lower acidity than the same variety grown on the plains — an agricultural specialty not to be missed in Nantou during spring and summer.

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

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Tap the bottom to gauge ripenessLightly flick the bottom of the pineapple with a finger — a full, low resonant sound (not hollow) indicates dense, fully ripened flesh, the most direct method for selecting a sweet fruit.

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Plum powder and ginger are the local way to eat itLocal Guoxing residents enjoy fresh pineapple cut into pieces with plum powder or shredded ginger — the plum powder adds tartness and the ginger counters the sweetness for a more layered experience.

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Take Farmers' Association processed goods homeFarmers' Association homemade pineapple jam and pineapple cakes use local Gold Diamond pineapples as the base ingredient with clearly labeled filling ratios — more reliable quality than tourist-area products.

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Don't miss the spring fruit at its sweetestMid-April to late May is the first spring harvest with the highest sugar content; June–July sees large volumes but more sunlight raises acidity slightly, giving a somewhat different flavor.

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.

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