Taiwan Food Atlas

Shuili Longan and Dried Longan (Guiyuan)

Charcoal-fired to a smoky honey fragrance — the with-pit version is the authentic dried longan
📍 Nantou · Junkeng · Minhe Village, Shuili Township🎯 Collector's Item · Agricultural Specialty🔖 Charcoal-Fired Dried Longan · With-Pit Version · Fresh Fruit Season Jul–Aug

Longan trees on the low mountain hills of Shuili Township fruit every year in July and August; once the fresh fruit season passes, farmers immediately begin the charcoal-firing process, in which the heat of wood charcoal slowly dehydrates the fresh longan over 3–5 days and concentrates the sugar, forming dried longan with a smoky honey fragrance. This deep, sweet, composed aroma is something the machine-dried version can never replicate — a temperature memory carried by the charcoal-fire process.

What Are Shuili Longan and Dried Longan

Dried longan (guiyuan gan) is processed from fresh longan fruit by slow charcoal-firing, available in three forms: "shell-on with pit," "shell-removed, flesh with pit," and "pitted longan flesh." Shuili's traditional method uses charcoal firing; the shell-removed-with-pit version (qu ke liu rou dai he) has the most concentrated aroma — the presence of the pit allows the flesh to heat more evenly and the smoky penetration to go deeper. The pitted version is more convenient to use but typically has some firing time cut from the process, resulting in a slightly weaker aroma. Brewing with hot water into longan tea is the most common everyday way to enjoy it.

Shuili Township Farmers' Association is the primary promotional body for dried longan; the Farmers' Association direct-sales station carries charcoal-fired dried longan year-round at prices more reasonable than tourist-area retail with clear provenance labeling. Fresh longan season is concentrated in July–August; after the season almost no fresh fruit is available, while dried longan is stably supplied year-round. Council of Agriculture Nantou County agricultural statistics data shows Shuili as an important longan production area; the county government tourism website also lists Shuili longan (guiyuan) as the township's representative agricultural product.

How to Enjoy Like a Local

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Longan tea is the everyday way to drink itTake 5–6 with-pit dried longan pieces, brew with 90°C hot water for 5 minutes for a sweetly satisfying cup; a few red dates or wolfberries can be added for extra depth.
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With-pit version has the fullest aromaWhen purchasing, prioritize the shell-removed-flesh-with-pit version for the most complete charcoal-fire fragrance; pitted longan flesh is convenient but the smoky depth is noticeably shallower.
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Farmers' Association direct-sales station has the best pricesShuili Township Farmers' Association direct-sales station dried longan is clearly labeled with full descriptions of the charcoal-firing process, more trustworthy than loose products sold at tourist areas.
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Don't miss the fresh fruit season July–AugustFresh longan has thin skin and abundant juice, available only briefly during July–August; during Farmers' Association market events you can purchase both fresh fruit and dried longan to compare the flavors.

Local Knowledge

Verified Sources

  • Shuili Township Farmers' Association agricultural specialty promotion page lists charcoal-fired dried longan as the township's representative agricultural product; the direct-sales station supplies it year-round.
  • Nantou County Government tourism website lists Shuili longan (guiyuan) as the township's representative agricultural product; Ministry of Agriculture Nantou County agricultural statistics data confirms Shuili as an important longan production area.

Visitor Tips

  • Some "dried longan" on the market is dehydrated using electric heat machines rather than traditional charcoal firing; the smoky fragrance is entirely different — confirm the production method on the label before buying.
  • Dried longan will re-absorb moisture, clump together, and lose flavor; after taking it home, store in a sealed container away from light. Charcoal-fired versions are best consumed within 3 months.
  • When selecting fresh longan (July–August), look for plump berries that spring back when gently pressed with yellowish-brown shells as the freshness standard; avoid any that are already cracked.

Sources: Shuili Township Farmers' Association Agricultural Specialty Promotion Page, Nantou County Government Tourism Website, Ministry of Agriculture Nantou County Agricultural Statistics Data. Photos pending Dio's on-site photography.

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